Fernando Alonso has revealed that he is not ruling out a switch to IndyCar for 2018 amidst his woes and frustrations at McLaren in Formula 1.
Fernando Alonso IndyCar switch is possible for 2018
2017 marks Alonso’s third consecutive season at McLaren, having joined the Woking-based team when it made a return to using Honda power in 2015. Having scored only two points so far this season, Alonso admitted that the Indy 500 has been his only positive moment of 2017 so far.
Previously, Alonso said that a switch to IndyCar for 2018 was unlikely, however, since then, Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull Racing have all made clear that they are not open to signing Alonso should he leave McLaren.
IndyCar is now “one possibility” admitted Alonso. “Let’s see in a month or so. I’ve always said I’m very open to what may come in the future. I want to win next year and to win we need some good changes here [at McLaren]. Many changes.
“If those happen, it is possible I stay but it’s something I will consider in September,” he added.
Alonso, 36, made his Formula 1 debut in 2001 driving for Minardi. Since then, the Spaniard has won two world championships and has scored 32 wins along with 97 podium finishes. Alonso has been on a winless streak in Formula 1 since 2013, with his last victory coming at the Spanish Grand Prix – his home race.
Joining McLaren on the basis that he was promised a third championship, Alonso has been far from achieving this, and has not yet finished on the podium for the team, with his highest finish being a number of fifth places.
As his three year deal with McLaren runs out at the end of this season, Alonso’s departure from the team would not be surprising, especially when looking at the performance that the team offers. A move to Renault may be a logical choice for Alonso, where he would rejoin his former team where he won both of his championships, although a change in surroundings on the IndyCar grid may be a more attractive option. Regardless, Alonso is a driver that McLaren cannot afford to lose for 2018, especially in its current situation.
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