Fernando Alonso Shuts Down Retirement Rumors

McLaren driver Fernando Alonso has downplayed talks that he might quit Formula One at the end of 2018.

Ahead of the Spanish GP, the Spaniard admitted that he is no longer desperate to win races. He further added that winning the 2018 Le Mans would mean more to him than another F1 victory.

“I’m not worried,” McLaren executive Zak Brown said in Barcelona.

“He’s saying that because he’s never won Le Mans and because Spain is not in the ‘triple crown’.

“One thing about Fernando is you can never question his desire to achieve the maximum possible result, no matter what category he’s racing in,”.

“I think ever since 2014 at this point of the season there is always talk that this is my last year,” Alonso said.

“Then in July or August I’m going to Ferrari, September I’m going to Mercedes, then Renault, then Red Bull, and when October or November arrives we’ll see what I do.”

During the Honda days, Alonso was often very vocal of his discontent because of McLaren’s inability to provide a car capable of challenging at the front of the grid. This year too, with Renault engines at the back of the car, they are still stuck in the midfield.

Despite the promises, they have been left wanting behind the three F1 heavyweights. The highest that Alonso has placed his car was a 5th and three 7th-placed finishes.

The Spaniard is out of contract at the end of 2018 and speculation suggests that this could be his last season.

The F1 double world champion is simultaneously competing in the World Endurance Championship, where he won the Six Hours of Spa-Francorchamps last weekend.

The F1 veteran has admitted that his future may lie away from F1.

“I’m attempting two World Championships at the same time,” he said.

“I’m happy with the progress we did here at McLaren and the direction things are going so I’m happy here. But it’s quite demanding – especially the F1 calendar.

“The biggest thing here is how predictable everything is.

“We can put in the paper now what would be the qualifying here on Saturday, what it would be in Monaco, what it would be in Silverstone.