Alonso running out of time to choose F1 or IndyCar

Fernando Alonso has been warned that he is facing a tight deadline to decide whether he wants to race in Formula 1 or IndyCar in 2019. Michael Andretti, who helped Alonso compete in the 2017 Indianapolis 500, says the two-time F1 champion would add "a buzz" to the Stateside series.

Having dropped out of the F1 title picture in a return to McLaren that has backfired, Alonso has set sights on securing motorsport glory by winning the 'Triple Crown'.

An Indy 500 win is all that stands in Alonso's way of matching Graham Hill's unique feat, the Spaniard having added the Le Mans 24 Hours crown to his two Monaco Grand Prix wins earlier this year.

Amid reports that Alonso could ditch F1 for a full-time IndyCar seat in 2019 - McLaren are considering entering a team - Andretti says it is not a decision that can be mulled over for long.

"We are getting to a critical time and we have to get some things done in the next week or so," Andretti told Autoweek magazine.

"There are still a lot of things in the air; a lot of things still have to happen.

"I would love to have him because he was a joy to work with. We had a lot of fun at Indy and I think we would have a lot of fun doing this all year long.

"Fernando is the nicest guy you would ever want to meet. You really don't know the person you see in front of the camera.

"I think the team helped him a lot at Indy and if he comes here, he will have pace from the first race.

"It would create a buzz, and a buzz is something you can't buy."

Andretti said that the decision will hinge on McLaren getting their F1 line-up in order with enough time for Alonso to discuss a move to the States.

"They have to get their driver situation settled," he added

"Is Fernando going to stay? Is he going to go? Is he going to come here? Is he going to stay in Formula 1? Is he going to retire? What is he going to do?

"Zak has to work on his Formula 1 plan and he has a lot to work out there, but we'll see what is going to happen."