Rosberg admits he is surprised with Alonso's motivation

2016 world champion Nico Rosberg has admitted that he is surprised with the amount of motivation being shown by Fernando Alonso. Alonso, who drives for McLaren-Honda, has been left to deal with a tough driving package in the last three years.

Honda has failed to produce a fast and reliable engine in the three seasons it has been with McLaren in the hybrid era. As tensions remain strong between the two, the future of Fernando Alonso is uncertain, however the Spaniard remains strong on his F1 intent.

"Formula 1 is still my priority, it's my life, and winning the world championship is what I'm hoping," Alonso said. "If I don't see any project that will allow me to fight for the win I will look outside F1 - but that's (a decision for) November-December. I will try all the possibilities before that."

After the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2016, Rosberg announced his retirement from F1 after winning the world championship. He admits that he wouldn't have the same mental strength of Alonso: "For me, after those years of fighting for the championship, I couldn't do that," the German told Auto Bild. "I would lack motivation."

Fergal Walsh