Fernando Alonso says he “hasn’t missed Formula 1” despite regular pleas from fans to return.
The double world champion continues to leave the door open to a comeback, despite calling time on his 17-year stint on the grid at the end of 2018.
But the motivation to return isn’t there yet, even though Alonso admits he still maintains an interest in the sport.
“I don’t think about it today. This year I haven’t missed F1,” Alonso told Spanish TV show ‘El Hormiguero’. “However, I still see the practice, timetables and races of F1.
“In 2021 there will be a new regulation and if there is a possibility of returning I will think about it, but I cannot predict the future.
“I usually see the races when I am on trips. When I watch it at home I am more relaxed.
“About returning to F1 I have to reveal one thing. The phrase I have heard the most since last year is, ‘You have to come back’.”
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That desire may not have been limited to fans either, with Red Bull rumoured to have contacted Alonso during the season about possibly replacing Pierre Gasly.
For now though, the 38-year-old is focused on challenges elsewhere, acknowledging his ‘retirement’ from F1 has been anything but.
“When you leave F1 you are supposed to rest, but that has not been my case,” he said.
“It has been a great year because I became World Endurance champion. I won Daytona, 24 Hours of Le Mans. I missed the Indy 500, but I will try again.”
Alonso is also currently preparing for next year’s Dakar Rally with Toyota, so there’s no guessing where the Spaniard will end up next.