Fernando Alonso says decision on his future is 'close' but denies deadline is set
Spaniard expected to replace Jenson Button at McLaren in 2015
Tuesday 25 November 2014 17:53, UK
Fernando Alonso insists he hasn’t been given a deadline by anyone by which time to definitively decide on his 2015 plans – but the Spaniard is expecting everything to be “finalised soon”.
More than a month has passed since it unofficially emerged at the Japanese GP that Alonso had decided to cut his ties with Ferrari after five seasons and Sky sources understand that the Spaniard is close to sealing a return to McLaren.
But despite there being just two races of 2014 to go, Alonso says he won’t be rushed as he bids to put his 2015 plans into action.
“I don’t think there is any deadline to do anything,” the Spaniard told reporters at Interlagos. “One week it’s McLaren saying something. Last week it was Lotus, [Gerard] Lopez saying he was in talks with me for the future – which is true, but not for Formula 1, for another project that we may have together.
“Every day is a rumour. Even today I read that I bought Marussia for $1, which is absolutely no truth [to it]! It’s the same thing always but the most important, as I said in Japan, two or three months ago I took a decision, I followed that decision in that direction and hopefully you will know soon.”
Alonso later added that an announcement on his future was "very close" and a deal will be "finalised soon".
The 33-year-old two-times World Champion reiterated his belief that he is firmly in control of his own destiny, although admitted that there were no guarantees that his decision would definitely deliver the return to world title glory he craves.
“You never know, Formula 1 is a complex sport and you never know how the teams will perform the year after. You need to see what the best possibilities are out there,” he explained.
“I am extremely lucky and privileged to choose more or less where I want to go. I have the doors open with many places. We saw the difficulties of some small teams, we saw the difficulties of some drivers fighting for the seat even in these days and I feel very lucky to not have those problems and more or less choose where I want to go.
“If I choose a direction some months ago it’s because I feel it will be better, but 100% [certain]? It will be never 100%.”
Alonso is expected to replaced Jenson Button at McLaren, with the Englishman expected to join the World Endurance Championship. However, despite being set to take his seat at McLaren, Alonso says he hopes Button will remain in F1.
“He’s a very talented driver, we’ve seen that in all his career, and also he’s a very nice person,” said Alonso. “We need people like him in F1. I hope he will be here next year.”
