Is it 'Honda or Alonso?' for McLaren as team prepare to make engine choice for next season
Saturday 30 September 2017 08:53, UK
Fernando Alonso has given his clearest indication yet he will leave McLaren at the end of the season unless they drop Honda.
McLaren, for whom only Renault appear to be a viable option for a fresh power supply next year, will make a decision on their engine suppliers in the next month.
But the decision now also appears to be inextricably linked to the future of their star driver with Alonso's confidence in Honda after three years of frustration seemingly extinguished.
Asked specifically by Sky Sports F1 after the Belgian GP if he would leave McLaren if the team renew vows with Honda, Alonso replied: "We will see what happens in the next couple of weekends. McLaren is always one of the best teams in the world and I would be happy to keep working with them but we need to see how things evolve in the next couple of weeks."
Alonso's hint echoed the impression formed by the Sky F1 pundits as the Spaniard prepares to make a September decision on his future.
A concurring Pat Symonds added: "I can't help feeling that Fernando is forcing this decision" while fellow Sky F1 analyst Paul di Resta agreed: "I think he will only be driving that McLaren if it is powered by Renault."
Alonso's frustration frequently threatened to boil over during Sunday's race at Spa with the 35-year-old branding the team's pace - or lack of - as "embarrassing" prior to his retirement.
The exact cause of Alonso's retirement remains unclear with Honda reporting to Sky F1's Ted Kravitz they hadn't detected any problems with his engine before it was returned to base.
Alonso not ruling out Williams for 2018
Alonso is believed to have been offered a seat with Williams next year while Renault are thought to be another option for their former driver.
"I have had offers," Alonso confirmed after qualifying. "I have had offers in June, July and August. 60 per cent of them I have said no to already, the other 40 per cent is still on the table."
In another telling insight into McLaren's predicament team boss Zak Brown had earlier told Sky F1: "He doesn't have as much confidence in that power unit so we need to show him pretty quickly, or specifically Honda need to show him pretty quickly, that they are going to make some drastic improvements."
