Alonso still not ready to decide his future

It could be several months before Fernando Alonso decides his fate for 2018 if the Spaniard runs out of options in Formula 1.

Earlier this year, with prospects looking bleak with McLaren-Honda, Alonso set a September deadline to decide whether he would be remaining with the Woking-based outfit or jumping ship.

Options outside of McLaren appear limited however for the two-time world champion despite his will to remain on the F1 grid.

"Formula 1 is still my priority, it's my life, and winning the world championship is what I'm hoping," Alonso told CNN's The Circuit.

A successful trip to the Indy 500 back in May definitely whetted Alonso's appetite for the celebrated event. And he has made no secret of his ambitions of racing at Le Mans.

Alonso: 'It's been a fantastic first half of the season!'

If ultimately he rejects F1, Alonso would likely venture back to the US for another shot at winning at the Brickyard.

"My first priority is F1 -- winning the third world championship, but I want to attempt the triple crown as well.

"It may happen. I would like to go back there but maybe not in the very near future.

"If I don't see any project that will allow me to fight for the win I will look outside F1 -- but that's (a decision I will make around) November-December. I will try all the possibilities before that."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.