Formula 1's managing director of motorsport, Ross Brawn is hoping Fernando Alonso will stay on the grid for a few more years at least, claiming the sport needs more drivers like the Spaniard.
The double world champion is being linked with a switch to IndyCar in 2019 as McLaren continues to fall short of the lofty expectations set of challenging at the front of the grid and as Alonso tries to become just the second driver in history to win the Triple Crown, with only the Indy 500 in his path.
However, while competitively he may not be where he wants to be, Brawn insists Fernando continues to bring a lot of value to F1 and would be worse off without him.
"He is still immensely quick and F1 needs drivers with his undoubted charisma and talent," he was quoted by F1i.com. "Who knows, maybe he really is looking for fulfilment outside of F1, but I really hope that’s not the case."
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With also impresses the former Ferrari and Mercedes man is the passion and commitment Alonso has, as he prepares for what is his fifth consecutive race weekend, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
"While everyone in F1 is tackling the challenge of the sport’s first ever triple-header with determination and dedication, for [Alonso] the period has been even more intense," Brawn noted.
"The race in Austria marked Fernando’s fourth consecutive weekend on track but there was no sign of weariness. [He] was as keen as ever to fight to the very last lap. In short, in Austria, Alonso once again drove a majestic race."
