Alonso says leaving F1 will be easier if Aston are competitive

Formula One's oldest driver Fernando Alonso says he is more likely to retire next year if his Aston Martin team have a competitive season.

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The double world champion will be 45 next July and out of contract at the end of a season that sees a major technical change, with a new engine era and Honda joining as Aston Martin's partner.

"If things go well, I think it's a very good moment to stop," the Spaniard said in an interview published on the team's website.

"I've been chasing a competitive car and a competitive racing for many, many years, and if I have that I think it's a very good way to close my career.