Fernando Alonso issues fresh declaration over F1 future

Fernando Alonso has denied that the decision over his F1 future is directly tied to Aston Martin’s highly anticipated upgrade package.

The Silverstone-based squad has endured a difficult season so far, languishing towards the rear of the field with an uncompetitive car.

Its unconventional development strategy will see it introduce a significant upgrade later this year, rather than follow the gradual, drip-fed approach adopted by most of its rivals.

Team principal Adrian Newey confirmed earlier this week that the upgrade will be introduced at the Hungarian Grand Prix later this month.

Newey expressed hope that the package would convince Alonso to remain with the team for at least another season, but the two-time world champion insisted it is only one of several factors influencing his decision.

“I will think over the summer break,” Alonso told media including RacingNews365. “I cannot say that this is really connected.

“If the car is good or bad, there are other factors that I need to think about.

“Maybe the car is super good, and still [I have] feelings that the sport is going in the wrong direction.

“I think the next two races are going to be a different experience than what we been driving in Silverstone and Spa - beautiful circuits in the past, especially with the ground effect cars. 

“Looking at the simulator laps and things like that, it's going to be quite sad, for drivers, but also for the spectators.”

Aston Martin has scored just one point so far this season, courtesy of Alonso’s top 10 finish at the Monaco Grand Prix.

As the team hopes to become a more consistent points contender during the second half of the campaign, Alonso insisted he could still be persuaded to stay even if Aston Martin is unable to improve its position in the competitive order.

“And vice versa - maybe the car is not improving much in Budapest, but we have another upgrade, or we have a completely new concept for next year, or there is a different feeling in the team that makes me think about continue for more years,” he said.

“It will help, no doubt. When I go on holiday on the first of August, it will be nice to have a good race in Budapest just before the holiday.

“But it will not be the only point.”