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Formula One: Alonso considers year away in Indycar

July 28, 2017

Twice Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso is losing patience with his massively underperforming McLaren-Honda. After impressing in the Indy 500 this May, the Spaniard is mulling a year away from F1.

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Formel 1 Großer Preis von Kanada in Montreal Circuit Gilles Villeneuve Fernando Alonso
Image: Imago

Fernando Alonso is a very unhappy man. Despite being widely considered as one of the best drivers in Formula One, he has scored just two points this season for McLaren as the once-mighty British team continues to struggle with a woeful Honda engine.

The Spaniard, who finished a lowly 17th and 10th in the driver standings in the last two seasons with McLaren, is tempted to try out a full Indycar series in the United States next year after his success at the Indianapolis 500 in May.

He was allowed to skip the Monaco Grand Prix to race at the Indy and was leading after 27 laps on his debut before his engine broke down.

"It's one possibility," Alonso told reporters when asked about a full return to Indycar next year. "I'm open to see another series."

"Let's see in one month or one month and a half," he added at the Hungarian Grand Prix after Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo had gone quickest in both first and second practice sessions. 

"I've always said I'm very open (to anything) that may come in the future." 

He has not ruled out staying at McLaren but a move to another F1 outfit looks more likely, although there will be very few vacancies at any top teams.

"My priority is still Formula One and winning the third championship," said Alonso, who won the title in 2005 and 2006 with Renault before a frustrating spell at Ferrari.

"I want to win next year and to win we need some good changes here -- many changes here. If those happen, there'll be a possibility that I stay and that's something that I will have to consider in September."

But a move to the United States is definitely in his mind.

Asked if he had experienced any positives this year, the 35-year-old said: "Yes, the Indy 500."

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