Alonso confirms F1 retirement might not be permanent

Fernando Alonso says his new ambassadorial role with McLaren, which will include testing the team's 2019 and 2020 Formula 1 cars, will keep him sharp in the event of a potential comeback to the grid, as his retirement from the sport continues to appear less permanent.

Alonso has stepped away from F1 for 2019 in order to focus on securing the 'Triple Crown' by winning the Indianapolis 500 – an entry he will make with McLaren.

The double world champion's decision to step away from F1 was mainly based in McLaren's inability to provide a car capable of competing at the front, but he says he will be back if he sniffs the chance to run at the front again.

"At the moment, as I said last year, I feel at the peak of my career," Alonso said. "So probably being at home is a waste of time and possibilities for everyone.

"First for me, because I'm doing different, iconic races now. I feel in the best moment of my driving career, so I hope to win as many races as I can. I [will] also stay involved in F1 life, just in case.

"I'm stronger than ever now, at 37: physically, mentally, and the background that you have in different categories and different driving styles.

"So I feel very good now, very competitive in any car that I jump in.

"I will keep going for a couple of years and select what races can make an impact on my career and impact on everything, race those.

"As I said, if one day Formula 1 again arrives at the moment when I can be competitive, and I can eventually be winning, I cannot be relaxed at home in that moment.

"I need to keep updated, and the best way is to be involved somehow."

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