Fernando Alonso says he could make a full-time return to Formula 1 in the future after being confirmed as a McLaren ambassador.
The Spaniard decided to walk away from F1 at the end of last season after a frustrating second spell with McLaren which saw him fail to challenge for honours due to numerous reliability and technical issues.
The two-time world champion has teased the possibility of coming back to the sport if a team could provide him with a competitive car, while maintaining ties with McLaren, for who he will drive at this year’s Indianapolis 500.
The 37-year-old made an appearance at this week’s pre-season testing in Barcelona, where it was confirmed he would take on a new role with the Woking-based outfit which will see him helped with the development of the car and take part in testing during 2019.
Alonso hopes the ambassadorial role will help to keep him sharp as he weighs up a return to Formula 1 in the future.
“At the moment I feel at the peak of my career so probably being at home is a waste of time and possibilities for everyone,” Alonso said. “Firstly, for me I am doing different iconic races now because I feel I am in the best moment of career so I hope to win as many races as I can.
I keep involved in F1 life just in case. “I am probably stronger than ever at 37 physically, mentally, and the background that I have on different categories and different driving styles.
So I feel very good now and very competitive in any car I jump in. “I will keep going for a couple of years, select what races that can make an impact on my career, race those, and as I said if one day Formula 1 again arrives where I can be competitive and I can win then I cannot be relaxed and at home.
I need to keep updated. The way to do that at the moment is to be involved somehow.”
