Alonso open to 2021 F1 return

Fernando Alonso admits that he is remaining open to the possibility of returning to Formula 1 for the 2021 season.

The Spaniard left the sport at the end of the 2018 campaign following four difficult years racing with McLaren.

The two-time F1 world champion has two 24 Hours of Le Mans wins under his belt, as well as the World Endurance Championship crown, which he picked up with Toyota.

Alonso is currently preparing for the 2020 Dakar Rally which begins in the first week of January and is also set to compete at the Indianapolis 500 once again next May.

With new regulations being introduced in Formula 1 in 2021 with the aim of allowing the grid to compete closer together, Alonso admits that he is open to the possibility of making a return.

"I am doing Dakar in January which is obviously is quite a big challenge and yeah, next year Indy is in the plan again," he said in Abu Dhabi.

"We will try to do it a bit better than this year and yeah let's see. We will keep it open in the future and see whatever comes, maybe Formula 1 in 2021, maybe the Hypercar in WEC, so yeah we will keep it open."

When asked if he missed F1, Alonso replied: "I have been quite busy, been racing a lot. I didn't miss Formula 1 much because I kept myself quite busy but it's a different kind of life.

"Formula 1 is very demanding and you leave for Formula 1 from the breakfast to the dinner and the night time, and I think away from Formula you are more relaxed and you enjoy life.

"I think in 2021 it's the reason why I keep it open because maybe it will mix up a bit with the new rules but let's see what comes next year."