Alonso fires warning over F1 future: 'I don't want to watch from the couch'

Fernando Alonso has declared that he does not intend to be "on the couch" watching Formula 1's 'exciting' future.

Alonso will turn 43 mid-way through the 2024 season and will is scheduled to hit 400 Grands Prix started in Qatar, with Aston Martin keen to extend his contract beyond 2024.

In 2023, the two-time World Champion secured eight podium finishes and fourth in the Drivers' championship - his best showing since runner-up to Sebastian Vettel in 2013.

Over recent years, F1 has enjoyed a surge in growth and popularity, with a record-breaking 24 Grands Prix set for the coming season, with the Spanish Grand Prix also set to move to Madrid in 2026.

Alonso walked away from F1 at the end of 2018 after feeling disillusioned but is eager to stick around after his comeback in 2021 with Alpine.

Alonso on F1 future

"I thought my return to F1 was good at the driving level, because I felt wasted being at home. I wanted to be in F1," Alonso told Dazn.

"2023 has been a kind of vindication and in 2024 and 2025 I do see myself with strength, desire, energy and optimism. Then the results always depend a little on you and your rivals.

"You can never promise results, but I do feel a good energy, to continue improving with the team. It is good for motorsport, because F1 is increasing in popularity every year.

"We have more and more young people following the sport, the circuits are full, a record calendar and new countries want to join F1.

"It seems that everything is like a kind of crest of the wave and I don't want to watch it from the couch.

"I don't know if in 2024 I will keep my smile from 2023.

"You always need results. But what I am clear about is that the team is motivated, and hungry for victories.

"It is young, there is enthusiasm and a different attitude for racing."