Fernando Alonso says McLaren’s decision not to enter IndyCar full-time in 2019 has no impact on his own plans for next year.
When the Spaniard announced he would retire from Formula 1 at the end of this season, many anticipated the American series would be a likely destination as he sits just an Indianapolis 500 away from securing the ‘Triple Crown’.
That line was also forwarded by the possibility of the British team also returning to IndyCar and a test Alonso completed back in September.
“A full IndyCar season was never an option that I wanted because of the implication it carries,” he explained.
“I would like to race in IndyCar one day but not next year. 17 races, all of them in America, learning everything from zero, that dedication and that kind of work that is required was never in my plans so therefore that McLaren has ruled it out is about the team.”
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The double world champion also revealed he knew of McLaren’s decision back in August and that even if they had he wouldn’t have been involved.
What it does do, however, is raise the question of what exactly will Alonso be doing alongside his WEC commitments with Toyota in 2019.
“My programme for next year has been clear for several months, but we have to close some things and some plans in some categories and with some brands,” he said.
“When everything is in place I’ll announce it.”