Fernando Alonso isn’t planning on slowing down anytime soon, as the Spaniard looks set to not only remain in F1 for another year but also make a highly anticipated return to the Le Mans 24 Hours.
The 40-year-old, who is set to turn another year older on the opening day of the Hungarian Grand Prix, is currently in discussion with the Alpine F1 Team to extend his contract.
Alonso’s current deal is due-to-expire at the end of 2022; however, the double World Champion has made his desire to remain in F1 very clear.
It appears that F1 isn’t the only thing on Alonso’s mind, with the Spanish driver also looking into driving for Alpine in the Le Mans 24 Hours.
Alonso is a two-time Le Mans winner, having claimed back-to-back victories with Toyota in 2018 and 2019.
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His first Le Mans victory came whilst still racing for the McLaren F1 Team, who agreed to let Alonso do the famous race.
McLaren the previous year also allowed Alonso to race in the Indy 500, with Jenson Button taking his place at the Monaco Grand Prix.
Alonso is well-known for wanting to achieve the illusive triple-crown, which consists of winning the Monaco GP, the Le Mans 24 Hours and the Indianapolis 500.
Alonso has only the Indy 500 left to win to claim the triple-crown.
Whilst also running a successful F1 team, Alpine also have a strong sportscar programme run by SignaTech.
Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi revealed that part of the contract negotiations with Alonso does include a potential switch to endurance racing, when the Spaniard finally calls it a day in the pinnacle of motorsport.
“Yes, it’s always been part of the discussion,” Rossi admitted.
“Last year, even when we were discussing the renewal for this year, we talked about the fact Fernando is a legend of the sport but also a legend of the Renault Group.
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“For us, he is that champion and he will always have a seat in LMDh. The day he switches, he will be welcome in this team.
“So obviously this is part of the discussion. We actually made that decision also thinking about it in the first place.”
Alpine currently leads the World Endurance Championship, having won two out of three rounds so far this season.