Alonso 'likely' to leave F1 in 2018?

Fernando Alonso's career in Formula 1 appears to be drawing quickly to a close as his "relentless energy and motivation is fading" as McLaren remain unable to muscle into the title fight. This is the view of F1 pundit Martin Brundle, who says the Spaniard is losing his mojo.

Alonso is now five years without a victory in F1 and has turned attention away from chasing records to the 'Triple Crown' of Monaco Grand Prix, Indianapolis 500 and Le Mans 24 Hours.

The veteran was one of the more vociferous critics of last weekend's race in Monte Carlo, won by Daniel Ricciardo, a race which saw the top six in qualifying finish in the exact spots they started.

After retiring with gearbox failure, Alonso said: "Probably the most boring race ever in Formula One.

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"We probably need to give something to the fans at the end of the race just to pay the ticket back a little."

McLaern boss Zak Brown says he remains confident of signing Alonso to a new contract with his deal expiring at the end of the season.

However, Brundle sees a different side of Alonso, who spent much of the Monaco weekend talking glowingly about the Indy 500, which was held on the same day.

"I had a long sit-down interview with Fernando Alonso pre-race and he gave me a distinct impression that he likely wouldn't be on the F1 grid next year," Brundle wrote for Sky Sports.

"That wouldn't have been helped by his retirement in the race, and post-race he publicly criticised Monaco and applauded the Indy 500.

"You never know with him, he could retire then un-retire very quickly, but I think even his relentless energy and motivation is fading."

Alonso's DNF in Monaco was his first of 2018 after securing points in each of the opening five races of the season.