Fernando Alonso sets clear parameters over uncertain F1 future

Fernando Alonso has said he will not remain in F1 simply to fight at the lower end of the points, as uncertainty continues over his future beyond the current season.

The Aston Martin driver is under contract until the end of the current campaign, but has repeatedly indicated this year that he is assessing whether he wants to continue in the championship.

Speaking ahead of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Alonso made clear that his decision will depend on more than Aston Martin's immediate performance level.

Asked whether battling for eighth, ninth or tenth would be enough to persuade him to stay, Alonso replied: "No."

And when asked in follow-up if he would only continue if there was more at stake, he added: "Yes."

The comments come during a difficult campaign for Aston Martin, who sit tenth in the constructors' championship after 12 rounds. Alonso has scored all three of the team's points so far, while Lance Stroll is yet to finish in the top 10.

The Silverstone-based squad has struggled for consistency throughout the season, with 11 retirements across both cars and only two points finishes.

However, the team showed signs of progress at Zandvoort, where Alonso recovered from P18 on the grid to finish ninth.

The result tripled Alonso's points tally for the season and followed a series of updates introduced since Budapest.

While the Spaniard said the performance suggested Aston Martin's development direction was improving, he stressed that ninth place could not be treated as a major success.

"We cannot be happy with just P9, and I think no one is happy in the team," Alonso told media, including RacingNews365. "It was a nice boost for everyone, knowing that at least the direction that we are taking is the right one, because we changed a lot of things on the car since Budapest, and obviously we know, or we feel, that in the corners we are getting to a much better place.

"So that gives hope for everyone in Silverstone that if we keep on going with this philosophy and this strategy and this pace of development, eventually we will be one of the fastest in the corners; so we tick one of the boxes."

Alonso points to regulations as key factor

Aston Martin's progress has not been limited to chassis development. The team has also been working through issues with Honda's power unit after a difficult start to the new partnership, with vibration and drivability problems affecting performance.

Alonso said Monza would provide a clearer picture of any gains because of the circuit's heavy emphasis on straight-line speed, but he was cautious about the latest step after Zandvoort.

"Then, on the engine side, I think Zandvoort was not a big improvement, to be honest," Alonso added. "The drivability was a problem, and the extra power was difficult to feel in Zandvoort.

"Maybe Monza is going to be a truer test for the engine, but still a long way to go, and we need to improve at both ends, on chassis and on engine for next year; it's a must. So that's the biggest thing."

Although Aston Martin's competitiveness remains a significant part of the wider picture, Alonso said his own decision will be influenced heavily by the direction of Formula 1's regulations.

The two-time F1 drivers' champion has been critical of the new rules throughout the season, arguing that the current generation of cars has placed too much emphasis on energy management and reduced the role of driver input.

He previously claimed after the British Grand Prix that "no driver talent" was needed, and said in Monaco that the cars were the worst he had driven at the circuit.

Asked at Monza how those concerns would affect his future, Alonso said he would continue to give his maximum regardless of Aston Martin's position, but suggested the wider direction of the sport remains a concern.

"And for my decision, it's not really about the car," he said. "I will be professional and working at my 100 per cent, fighting for P15 or fighting for a podium, but for me it's more about the regulations.

"Unfortunately, it's what it is. This is not the Formula 1 we grew up with, and this is not the Formula 1 that we all want, drivers, spectators.

"So we must change a few things. It will not happen immediately. It will happen for the future. But I hope I can contribute somehow to the next set of regulations, [and] we go back to the real Formula 1."