Fernando Alonso wary of 'bad taste' dilemma over F1 future decision

Fernando Alonso has stated he is keen to avoid leaving the sport with a “bad taste” amid his recent slump down the F1 pecking order.

The Aston Martin partnership with Honda has got off to a shaky start this year, with the power unit proving highly unreliable across the opening rounds.

Aston Martin has also faced issues of its own, leaving the package struggling towards the rear of the field.

Alonso, 44, is out of contract at the end of the season and is weighing up whether to continue or step away in search of a new challenge.

The two-time champion has admitted he would find it difficult to walk away if the team is not competing at a high level.

“Leaving the sport with a bad taste is not always the best thing,” Alonso told media including RacingNews365.

“These things, you can't choose when to stop racing - only [Nico] Rosberg did.

“Otherwise, it's difficult to choose. I'm very relaxed and I'm very happy with my career. 

“I'm very happy with what I was able to live and to experience and what the sport gave me.”

Alonso added that he feels no reason to walk away, feeling he is still performing at the top of his game.

“This is a gift,” he said. “Since I came back in 2021, it has been a gift to keep racing and to feel competitive. I also want to leave the sport one day when I feel fast.

“I don't want to leave the sport when everyone is beating me, when I feel slow and I make mistakes and all these kind of things. 

“I know that I'm at my 100% now and I want to leave also when I feel that way.”