Two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso claims his racing plans are “more-or-less” set for the 2021 season.
Since leaving Formula 1 at the end of the 2018 season, Alonso has raced in a variety of different categories – from the 24 Hours of Le Mans to the Dakar Rally.
Alonso is still intent on becoming the second person after Graham Hill to achieve the illustrious “Triple Crown of Motorsport”, requiring only an Indianapolis 500 victory, having already won the Monaco Grand Prix and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Disillusioned with the state of the sport at the time, the Spaniard stated he would only be interested in returning to the sport once the new regulations came into effect.
In an interview with Le Mans’ official Instagram account, Alonso hinted that his plans for the 2021 were close to being confirmed.
“F1 now delayed the rules to 2022. That’s bad news in a way for the sport, because I think they need to balance the cars and need these new rules as soon as possible. But it’s a choice that is understandable, because with the current situation, it was not possible to develop the cars for next year.
“In my personal case, I know more or less what I’m doing for next year, and hopefully many of you will know soon.”
Alonso has also expressed interest in the new Hypercar regulations for the World Endurance Championship which are due to come into force next year.
“I think the Hypercar is a nice project, together with the different solutions that I know the [World] Endurance Championship is going through a good process now with IMSA. A lot of things in the future that will probably boost a little bit endurance, and I want to be part of that.
“I don’t know when. Obviously my experience with Le Mans is at the moment 100 percent love, with two participations and two wins. I want to try [for] a third, for sure. Let’s see when.”
Alonso is also set to partake in this year’s IndyCar Grand Prix and Indy 500 in a third McLaren entry alongside Patricio O’Ward and Oliver Askew. However, he has ruled out a full-time campaign in the premier American open-wheel series.
“It was something that I considered maybe two years ago. When I stopped Formula 1, I was thinking about what to do next, and obviously winning the WEC championship and being World Endurance champion and Formula 1 champion, what if one day I’m IndyCar champion? Not only the 500, trying to win the championship in general.
“That would be unique. That would not be the second man in history, that would be the first man in history, and that was always very appealing.
“The commitment to do that will be too high, at this part of my life. I think a few years ago, maybe that was a possibility, but right now, to do 16 or 17 races, to know all the circuits, I will require a level of preparation or commitment that maybe at this time in life I’m not happy to take.
“The Indy 500 is already a nice commitment and a long preparation for one race, so I cannot imagine for the whole championship. That would be full dedication.”
Image Credit: Indycar.com