Alonso names the two drivers he'll be watching in 2019

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Fernando Alonso will be watching F1 from afar this year, but the Spaniard driver will still be keeping close tabs on the action.

While his attention will be first and foremost focused on the efforts of McLaren and its all-new line-up made up of Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris, Alonso admits that he'll be attentive to the performance of two drivers in particular.

"I will follow Robert Kubica," Alonso told Corriere della Sera.

"His story is unbelievable. Up until a few months ago Robert seemed to have lost all possibility. He has nothing to lose and I won't miss any of his moves."

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But like everyone, the two-time world champion will also have an eye on the fascinating challenge that awaits one young charger on the grid.

"Then there's Leclerc at Ferrari. He's young, intelligent, and talented," he said, adding a few words of advice for the Scuderia's new recruit.

"He should use his talent and character, learn to score points to help the team, and know that the world championship is won between July and September."

Alonso also viewed in a positive light Ferrari technical director Mattia Binotto's recent nomination as team principal.

"I think it's a good thing," said the 37-year-old.

"Mattia has demonstrated his leadership skills, he is in charge of technical management. He will do everything to make Ferrari even stronger."

Finally, queried once again on his future and a potential return to F1 in 2020, Alonso repeated his stance of keeping an open mind.

"I always said it was 'hasta luego', a goodbye," he said.

"Now I have new challenges to deal with, and the right tools to win, which I didn't have in F1.

"I have no plans for 2020. Of course, winning a third title would be a great joy."

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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.