F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Alonso to decide on F1 future after summer break

Fernando Alonso who is in his third and final contract year with McLaren-Honda will decide on his F1 future next summer, with the outcome likely linked to his team's level of performance.

It's been a trying two years for the two-time world champion who jumped ship from Ferrari at the end of 2014, hoping for greener pastures at Woking.

It has been anything but unfortunately for the Spaniard.

"From the sport I am expecting change in terms of how exciting it is to drive these cars," he said at today's McLaren launch.

"If we go back to what we had in the past a little bit, how we manage also the tyres, the fuel, the charge...

"All these difficulties that we have in the modern F1 in last four or five years with the turbo engine, it has lowered a little bit the racing spirit.

"We were saving something – batteries, tyres or fuel, not a single lap in the race we could push as much as we wanted."

Alonso has welcomed F1's regulation overhaul, but he would be even happier if they bring back the pleasure and thrill of racing all-out from start to finish.

"Definitely I hope these new regs bring back a bit the fighting spirit and racing spirit and that is something we find out in the first couple of races."

Asked about how he sees his longer term future, the McLaren-Honda star said he would croos that bridge over the summer.

"I will see. That's a question that I will answer after the summer break - around September is a good time to start thinking and sitting with yourself, and start deciding what to do."

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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.

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