Alonso says F1 return unlikely, 2021 plans “more or less” set

Fernando Alonso says he knows “more or less” what he will be competing in for 2021 but has cast doubt on a return to Formula 1.

The two-time world champion quit F1 at the end of 2018 but has hinted at a return to the championship when major new rules came into force in 2021. With the regulations now pushed back until 2022 due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, Alonso has suggested he may look elsewhere.

Speaking in an interview with Le Mans’ official Instagram account, Alonso said he understood the decision to postpone the rule changes until 2022 as he revealed his racing plans for next year are almost firmed up.

"I always said look, in 2021, there are new rules in Formula 1, I may come [back], because maybe there is more interest and the cars are more balanced, and maybe I’m hungry for travelling again or putting myself in contention,” Alonso said.

“F1 now delayed the rules to 2022. That’s bad news in a way for the sport, because I think they need to balance the cars and need these new rules as soon as possible.

“But it’s a choice that is understandable, because with the current situation, it was not possible to develop the cars for next year.

“In my personal case, I know more or less what I’m doing for next year, and hopefully many of you will know soon.”

Since leaving F1, Alonso has contested the FIA World Endurance Championship and made his debut in the Dakar Rally earlier this year. The Spaniard claimed the WEC title at the first attempt last season, as well as winning the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans twice.

Alonso just requires victory at the Indianapolis 500 to become the second driver in history to win motorsports ‘triple crown’ after previous unsuccessful attempts in 2017 and 2019. The 38-year-old is due to return to the Brickyard this year with Arrow McLaren SP but ruled out a full-time IndyCar campaign.

"It was something that I considered maybe two years ago,” Alonso explained. 

“When I stopped Formula 1, I was thinking about what to do next, and obviously winning the WEC championship and being World Endurance champion and Formula 1 champion, what if one day I’m IndyCar champion? Not only the 500, trying to win the championship in general.

“That would be unique. That would not be the second man in history, that would be the first man in history, and that was always very appealing.

“The commitment to do that will be too high, at this part of my life. I think a few years ago, maybe that was a possibility, but right now, to do 16 or 17 races, to know all the circuits, I will require a level of preparation or commitment that maybe at this time in life I’m not happy to take.

“The Indy 500 is already a nice commitment and a long preparation for one race, so I cannot imagine for the whole championship. That would be full dedication.”

Alonso also admitted he is keen on a return to WEC once the new Hypercar regulations come into force next year.

“I think the Hypercar is a nice project, together with the different solutions that I know the [World] Endurance Championship is going through a good process now with IMSA,” he added.

“A lot of things in the future that will probably boost a little bit endurance, and I want to be part of that.

“I don’t know when. Obviously my experience with Le Mans is at the moment 100 percent love, with two participations and two wins. I want to try [for] a third, for sure. Let’s see when.”