Alonso has "other things" to do if F1 doesn't get better

The Spaniard, often critical of the current generation of F1 machinery, insists the 2017 regulations will play a key role in determining his future, which is still up in the air.

Alonso has a contract with McLaren until the end of next season.

The two-time champion, who labelled the current formula as "boring", is hopeful the new rules will make F1 cars fun to drive again.

But Alonso, 35, reiterated that having to leave Formula 1 would not mean the end of his professional career.

"I've always said the same for these past two years. I think today's cars are less attractive," Alonso told Cadena Ser radio.

"They give you a much more normal feeling, it's not the same Formula 1 we used to know in the first 10 years that I was racing. Now you don't have that 'wow' feeling, or think 'I can't believe how fast I was through that corner', or 'it's incredible how fast this car is'.

"You don't have that now. It's much more normal cars, more boring. Like today, we spent all race saving tyres, saving fuel, and that goes against a driver's instinct, which is pushing to the maximum.

"Next year the cars will be faster, more physical, and I have the hope that that Formula 1 will be attractive for the driver again.

"And if it's still a Formula 1 about saving instead of attacking then I'll think if I continue or not, but not because I'm thinking of retiring. There are other things that I want to do."

He added: "I think the rules will play a key role. If the cars are exciting when you drive them and you are left with that feeling of surprise that Formula 1 has always had, then you are having fun, regardless of the results.

"In 12 months we'll see where we are and how keen I am to continue, because maybe I see the chance to leave F1 and then I think what am I going to do at home all day. We have to wait and see."