Coulthard: F1 top teams 'don’t need or love' Alonso

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.

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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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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.