Fernando Alonso says he will wait until he tests a 2017 F1 car before making a decision regarding his future, with the sport set to undergo a major technical overhaul next year.
Following growing complaints about the current breed of F1 machinery, the FIA called for the introduction of new regulations that would make cars up to five seconds faster per lap.
Recent meetings of the Strategy Group and F1 Commission led to the adoption of radical bodywork changes, tough the deadline to finalise the 2017 rules has been extended to 30 April.
Alonso, whose McLaren-Honda contract runs through the end of next year, admits he does not enjoy racing as much as he used to do but the double world champion is eager to find out what the sport's future holds.
“The [current] cars are too slow and the pleasure of driving them has gone,” the 34-year-old told Spanish TV broadcaster TVE during a special event that celebrated the 15th anniversary of his F1 debut with Minardi.
“I still have a few years left at the top. I’ll wait another two and then see how my body feels. I am quite curious to see how the 2017 F1 cars will look like. I’ll try one and think about my future thereafter.
“I don’t know what I’ll do after 30 years at the wheel, but once I take my decision there will be no turning back. Before that, I’d like to compete at the Le Mans 24 Hours and return to karting, which I have always loved.”
In the wake of McLaren-Honda’s dismal reunion, rumours of Alonso’s retirement have been swirling in recent months but the Spaniard has repeatedly brushed the allegations aside and maintained he will see out his Woking deal through.
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