I see Alonso doing a two-year deal (2018 & 2019) with somebody in F1. Maybe back to Ferrari, maybe Red Bull, maybe stay at McLaren. But at the end of that I think he will retire and then try to win Indy again. And depending on what kind of deal he could work out, race Lemans three weeks later for a different top team. Imagine winning Indy and Lemans in the same year. Not sure that has ever been done. After doing that he goes to WRC, and then NASCAR
MAY 30, 2017 Only Red Bull door closed for 2018 says Alonso Fernando Alonso says the only top team with closed doors for 2018 is Red Bull. Amid McLaren-Honda's crisis, the Spaniard skipped Monaco last weekend to do the Indy 500 and he admits he could be on the move within pitlane for next year. "We'll see. I would be lying if I told you now that I have a concrete plan," Alonso told Planeta Calleja. "I could go to another team, I don't know whether it is Mercedes or another. If Renault starts to dominate, I don't know," he added. "If in June or July a team calls I think we would have a chance but it's all to be talked about," said Alonso. "I think perhaps Red Bull is the only one that has doors a little closed because it already has young drivers with long contracts," he added. Alonso says his future could also depend on F1's new owners Liberty Media, amid plans to drastically expand the calendar beyond a scheduled 21 races for 2018. "I have to see what they plan to do," he said. "I read that they want to make a championship of 25 races. "When I started in F1 there were 16, now there are 20. If they tell me there are 25 I will retire," Alonso revealed.
Yep, I'd seen him race with Porsche most likely or Toyota. then perhaps do the Indy 500... but I think He's not done with F-1 yet, but sadly I don't see a top flight seat opening for him - so either he stays with McLaren or goes to Williams. Or... he goes back to Ferrari, but I cant see that with Vettel still there.
True, I can see a swan song year or two with Renault before he retires, but only if their engine is up to scratch and the car is capable of a win or two, otherwise, why bother?
It's too many already, why bother with the mid season four week break now, on the grounds that everyone is tired, if they are going to keep increasing the race numbers.... damned stupid.
If Liberty were smart, they would move the date so it does not conflict with Indy, and then promote more F-1 guys going to Indy. As this year showed, a Rookie F-1 driver almost won the race, and Former F-1 drivers lead a lot of the laps, Rossi, Alonso, Chilton and Sato.... if anything it does prove what Hamilton was saying that if you are in F-1 you can come to Indy and run well.... If I were at Liberty I'd back Ferrari sending a two car team for an F-1 driver to run at Indy... I know Piero would be up for this... I've always said that F-1 should sponsor an Indy car, as well as a Nascar - to feature the skills of the F-1 drivers... this would do two things, set up F-1 in the USA, and bring more world attention to Indy cars.... there was more international interest this year in indy because of Alonso, so they have to like the exposure. now its about getting the right sponsors engaged that is where the money comes from.
As the girls at the White Elephant Club in Danang used to say (to me, at least), "Nevvuh hoppen, GI!"
Prior to today's Montreal F1 drivers press conference, I didn't think Fernando would consider anything beyond future Indy 500's, now I'm not so sure. A move to Indycar full time I don't think is out of the question now. Pretty telling how the relaxed climate in Indycar among other things has left a lasting affect in Fernando's mind. [ame]www.youtube.com/watch?v=HklqeOl0jFE[/ame]
Alonso said he wasn't "good enough to do a full year in Indycar." That's what he said in a BBC's 5 live podcast. He further explained that it's much easier to prepare for 1 race than a whole season, he mentioned that the talent level and experience of existing Indycar drivers would prevent him from being competitive in a first whole season. The BBC interviewer was shocked at this response of not being good enough. Unfortunately Fernando said he probably doesn't have the energy anymore to learn all these unfamiliar tracks in Indycar. I still believe if all his all his F1 options are weak, he'll consider it.
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If I'm not mistaken AJ Foyt won Indy and LeMans (with Dan Gurney) in 1967. It would still be very cool if someone else were able to do it again. As a kid I enjoyed the greats driving different machinery in different race formats. Lot's of reasons that doesn't happen today, but purely from a fan's perspective I enjoyed the Alonso "Indy Experiment".
Alonso just talked to the Indy broadcasters during the Texas race and was asked about running in Indy again full time. He said if he has no suitable F1 options, "Why not." He spoke highly again of his experience in Indy and about the drivers.
The whole will he wont he leave McLaren/F1/Spain/tennis court/deck chair/crowd fiasco etc etc is getting a tad tiresome. The only person who wants him to stay is, well ,himself. He will not get another WDC so might as well head off to Indycar 2018 and have some fun,as the top dog again.
Yes, that's the sensible analysis, if you ask me (well, actually, you didn't...); his options are really limited, unless some surprise out of the blue. OR: Fernando could eat a large slice of humble pie and return to Ferrari, to succeed Kimi... BUT: this to be Vettel's team mate? And would the sparkle between him and the Scuderia re-ignite? Rgds
Pleeeeeeeeeeeeese , that would be worst than the mummy saga...the guy is dead an burried, he already made enough damadge while he was there..just let him be under the rock he crawled to..
My guess is that he signs a one year deal with McLaren. I would love to see Max with Seb at Ferrari next year.