Never far from the spotlight, Fernando Alonso has been commenting on a number of issues in recent days ranging from his future to fellow countryman Carlos Sainz and looking ahead to this weekend's Mexican Grand Prix.
In the build-up to Austin, the Spaniard confirmed he would be staying with McLaren for 2018 and even indicated his new deal goes beyond just a one-year extension. However, it is widely known that Fernando is weighing up appearances elsewhere, with a Le Man 24 Hours bid believed to be in the works as he aims to add another leg of motorsport's Triple Crown to his CV.
Looking to learn from his attempt at the Indianapolis 500 this year, Alonso could be set to compete at the Daytona 24 Hours as an experience builder ahead of the most famous endurance race, but he was coy on such claims when asked in Texas.
"Maybe the next race I will do in the US will be the 24 hours of Daytona," he teased. "The Indy 500 was one of the best races of my life so I'd like to do more races in America and one could be in January. That would be fine."
RACER is already reporting Alonso will drive for the United Autosports team run by McLaren Executive Director Zak Brown alongside recently crowned European F3 champion Lando Norris and regular driver Phil Hanson.
"If Fernando would like to do some additional racing that doesn't compromise our F1 efforts then we'll be open to that conversation and flexible," Brown said, commenting on the speculation.
Focusing on the final races of the current F1 season, the double world champion is expecting a tough weekend, this weekend in Mexico as a new but also upgraded engine will be installed after the latest failure in Austin.
"But, on the positive side, we tested a lot of new components on Friday in the USA which we were very happy with, and we hope to take those forward to use in Mexico," he added.
Alonso is also keen to return to the Latin American nation and put on a "show" to help bring happiness and an escape for the fans there after recent events.
"It’s very important that we head to Mexico with everybody in our thoughts that have been affected by the recent earthquake, and show them as much support as we possibly can at this really difficult time," said the two-time world champion.
"The welcome we receive in Mexico City is among the best in the world – you can really feel the warmth of the fans all around the circuit, especially in the arena section, and the support is unbelievable.
"For me, it’s nice to be able to arrive in a country, travel to the hotel and check in using my own language! But seriously, I love Mexico and the Mexican people, and I hope we can put on the show they deserve."
Finally, he spoke about Carlos Sainz's excellent debut for Renault at the Circuit of the Americas, where the heir to the Spanish motorsport throne, in F1 at least, finished seventh.
"That Carlos performed very well is not a surprise," Alonso told broadcaster Movistar. "Nothing to say, we knew Carlos was going to be good."
With Sainz and Alonso's teams set to work together from next year, the 36-year-old did have one little jibe.
"Next year he will have it more difficult because McLaren will be ahead, but he should enjoy this moment," Alonso smiled.
