Former F1 driver David Coulthard believes Fernando Alonso "has no options" for 2021 when it comes to a return to Grand Prix racing for the two-time world champion.
On several recent occasions, Alonso claimed he would assess his future after this year's Indy 500 and weigh a potential return to Formula 1.
Unfortunately, the 38-year-old's prospects of racing at the Brickyard in May took a big hit following engine supplier Honda's decision to veto Alonso's presence at Indianapolis with Andretti Autosport.
If the snub could deprive the former McLaren driver of another shot at fulfilling his Triple Crown ambitions, his prospective F1 plans hardly appear any better according to Coulthard.
"I know he wants to come back, but I don’t think he has a choice," the Scot told Spanish media AS at Friday's AlphaTauri launch in Austria where the F1 veteran served as the evening's MC.
"I don’t think Mercedes needs him or wants him. I don’t think Ferrari needs him or wants him. I don’t think Red Bull needs him or wants him. Where’s he going to go? Back to McLaren?"
While Alonso might well find refuge in side projects such as the recent Dakar rally-raid in which he took part, his life as an F1 driver has likely been relegated to the past.
"For me, Alonso is one of the most talented drivers ever in Formula 1, really talented like Hamilton, Schumacher or Senna," added Coulthard.
"Everything he’s driven has been in a hurry. But everyone has their moment and maybe it has come for him."
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