Fernando Alonso delivers 'five-minute' declaration over F1 future decision

Fernando Alonso has stated it took only five minutes of talks with Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll before deciding to commit to F1 for another season.

The two-time champion's future was under question amid the team's lack of competitiveness this season under fresh technical regulations.

Following months of speculation, Alonso put the matter to bed earlier this week as he declared he would remain on the grid next year.

It will mark a record-extending 24th campaign on the grid, which is set to make him the first 46-year-old F1 driver in 62 years.

When asked when he reached the decision that he would continue, Alonso told media including RacingNews365: "I don't know, I don't think I have a date.

"I took the decision but it was quite recent. Sitting with Lawrence, it was very straightforward.

"We didn't have much to discuss. We both wanted to continue at that point, and it was a five-minute talk and we announced it."

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Driver

Fernando Alonso

Alonso admits to motivation struggles

Aston Martin and its engine supplier Honda have endured a highly challenging campaign, languishing at the back of the field with unconvincing pace and reliability.

Alonso admitted it has been challenging to remain motivated through the tough period.

"Obviously, we are not competitive on the weekends," he said.

"You try to be as professional as you can in the preparations and into the race weekend.

"It would be different if we were fighting for podiums or for wins. We still do our job, our pre-weekend approach and studies about the circuit simulations, all these kind of things, but knowing that the result will not be very competitive.

"That's not helping the motivation. But you know, as you said, at the end of the day, we close the visor, we go racing, and that's enough."

Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes, Sam Coop and Nick Golding as they look back on the Azerbaijan GP but also look ahead to F1's return this weekend to Malaysia! Rumours linking Christian Horner with a return to the sport is a major talking point.