Fernando Alonso says "you will know" if he wants F1 return

Fernando Alonso says that fans will know if he wants to come back to Formula 1 amid intense speculation over a return for the Spaniard.

The two-time champion retired from the sport at the end of last season following an underwhelming second spell with McLaren, but rumours have always been circulating about a return.

In an Instagram Q and A, Alonso said: “I’ve been a little surprised by how many people have talked about it recently.

“I had the best first half of the season possible. I won a world championship, Daytona, Sebring, Le Mans. If one day I want to come back, you will know it.”

Alonso also denied that there was a rift between him and Sebastian Vettel, after the German claimed in the Hungarian GP post race press conference: "I don’t know why… I don’t think he never really liked me."

Alonso added: “I feel bad that he thinks like that. I heard that but it’s not true at all, I feel bad that he thinks like that.

“We always respected each other and had a very pleasant relationship. Perhaps it was because of the press, the situation, but I repeat that it’s the opposite.”