Fernando Alonso says he is not ruling out a possible return to Formula 1 in 2021, and is open to seeing “what opportunity comes”.
Alonso raced in Formula 1 between 2001 and 2018, before stepping away from a race seat, citing a desire to explore opportunities in other categories.
Alonso competed in the World Endurance Championship with Toyota, taking a second Le Mans 24 Hours victory in 2019, and is currently preparing for a tilt at the Dakar Rally in January.
Alonso remains affiliated with McLaren in an ambassadorial role and tested the MCL34 in Bahrain towards the start of the year.
[The regulation changes] in 2021, I think that’s the reason why I keep open possibilities,” Alonso told Sky Sports F1.
“Because maybe things mix a little bit with the new rules. So let’s see next year what opportunity comes.”
Alonso insisted he had no regrets over walking away from a McLaren race seat in spite of the team’s improvement to fourth in the Constructors’ Championship.
“We all – not predicted – but we all hoped that things could change this year,” said Alonso.
“McLaren, it was, it is and it will be always a top team in Formula 1, and I think, sooner or later, these big results will come.
“Luckily enough it came this year. [Brazil] was a strange race, it was not pure pace position, but hopefully next year is another step in the right direction.”