Fernando Alonso has revealed when he expects to have made a decision regarding his future in 2018, with a continuation at McLaren now widely expected.
The Spaniard has been holding off confirming his plans to fully analyse the options he has available, with seats at Renault and Williams once touted as well as an option to move to IndyCar full-time.
But following McLaren's decision to switch to Renault engines for next season, something that would signal a reunion of sorts with the company he won his two world titles at in 2005 and 2006, comments made by the 36-year-old have largely signalled towards him staying put.
Related stories:
- Alonso expects McLaren to learn "the truth" about chassis with Renault power
- McLaren ready to meet Alonso's desire for competitive car - Boullier
- Alonso to meet Renault bosses, predicts McLaren "normality" in 2018
As the season heads into a hectic period with four races in five weeks, Alonso said on Thursday that the next two-week gap is likely to be the key period.
“Yeah in the next break will be good to make the final decision. I think now between Malaysia and Japan we will be busy here working at the track but definitely after Japan that will probably be my wish,” he said.
“That will be the line let’s say to make it happen and choose whatever I feel is the best.
The former Ferrari driver has been consistent with his criteria of what it is he wants to achieve in 2018 and repeated them again when explaining what was causing a hold-up.
"I want to be competitive next year, I want to be back on the podium, I want to be back winning, I want to be back fighting for the world championship," he said.
“I still need some more information to make this decision but at the same time I remain optimistic because McLaren is one of the best or the best team in the history of Formula 1 so I think we have everything to make it happen.”
