Fernando Alonso expects a few more years in Formula 1, citing his current enjoyment and a “change of mentality” at Alpine.
The double world champion returned to the grid with the French outfit last season after two years away, competing in WEC, the Indianapolis 500 and even the Dakar Rally.
Alonso’s inital contract at Alpine is set to expire at the end of this year, but commenting on his future, it seems retirement isn’t in the mind of the oldest driver in F1.
“I still have a lot to offer,” he told Spain’s DAZN.
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“Right now, I am enjoying Formula 1 a lot. I enjoy racing, I am enjoying all the things because Formula 1 is not only the activity on the track, you have a lot of activities off the track and I also enjoy them.
“So I think at least two or three years I hope you see me around here.”
Alonso and Alpine have become synonymous with ‘El Plan’, which most see as the blueprint for both driver and team to be fighting for wins and even titles in F1.
And Fernando does believe there is now a desire to succeed at the squad which perhaps wasn’t there in recent years.
“There is still a lot to do,” he said. “I think the mentality changed a lot last year.
“Renault had been struggling in the midfield for the last few years and we think it is time to change this and dream big.
“Alpine has come to F1, we have good leaders now with Laurent Rossi, with Luca de Meo as president. We share the same goals, the same objectives long and medium term.
“I think that change of mentality and how each one of the team is hungry for success makes me very happy.”
This year’s major rule changes were seen as a big opportunity for Alpine, which has started the season as a regular top 10 contender.
And given how F1 has evolved, Alonso concedes there is no reason for the team to be fighting at the front in the future.
“The rules are meant to have closer competition and a more fair competition as well with the budget cap, so it’s up to us,” he told Reuters.
“If we are fast, it’s because we did a good job. If we are not fast it’s not because we spend less or these things that happen in the past in Formula 1.
“The cars now are very new for everybody. During the year, I think it’s going to be a huge progress for everyone and we need to win that race also off track.
“Everyone is working flat out in the car, in the engine side as well and we want to see Alpine win as soon as possible.”