Speculation is growing that McLaren would leave Honda and turn Renault for their engines next season and Fernando Alonso leaves it hanging that he could remain in place.
The Spanish driver, a two-times world champion, has been clear he would remain with McLaren only if they had a competitive engine.
“They will make a decision and then I will take mine. There are options everywhere and they are all very good.” Alonso said.
“I want to stay loyal and not make any decisions without them first making their decisions. I am relaxed, happy, and we will see what is happening in the next week.” Alonso added.
The 36 year-old is starting to get tired of Honda’s lack of reliability. He finished only three races this season, with a sixth place as best result.
“If I’m still in F1, I think I can win the championship next year,” Alonso said. “Whatever I do next year is because I want to win. I will be around in any series fighting for top-10 or top-15. There are many options I am looking at.” he added.
McLaren-Honda likely under complicated so far. This will be tough for their driver Alonso to competitive on the top of standings with the leaders this season.
“The triple crown is a clear target for me. My priority is F1 and winning here, the triple-crown is in the background. There are three races, not only Indy, there are many possibilities to have a fantastic 2018.” Alonso said.
It is expected that Renault will pull Spanish driver Carlos Sainz son in Toro Rosso to replace the British Jolyon Palmer, who has not yet managed a point this season.
Fernando Alonso was let down by his Honda engine. (Source:www.planetf1.com)
Red Bull, meanwhile, slipped noticeably behind Ferrari and Mercedes, and the team looks very little like the one that reigned with four drivers’ championships and builders away, from 2010 to 2013.
Christian Horner, who heads Red Bull, has strongly criticised Renault’s performance since the change in favour of hybrid turbo engines in 2014.
“We are paying a nasty sum for this engine, they have to clarify things.” Horner said after the Belgian GP last month.
Switching to the Honda engines could however bring questions to Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen. They have contracts covering 2018, but they could easily find team elsewhere.
