Today marks the 10th anniversary of Alonso's first F1 title, which he won with Renault in 2005 before clinching his second crown the following year with the same team.

The Spanish driver, 34, is currently 15th in the standings after a very tough year with the McLaren-Honda team.

Alonso suggested on Friday that his career will not be over when he quits Formula 1, saying he is aiming to be a world champion elsewhere if he cannot do it in grand prix racing.

"I hope so," Alonso said on Friday when asked if he will be a world champion again.

"It feels like it has been longer than it actually has.

"It feels as if it was 20 years ago since I won the title, or at least that's my impression after all I've been through.

"I think Russia will be my 250th grand prix, but like they say, 10 years is nothing, and I hope I can win the title again.

"And if it's not here, there are other categories where I can be a world champion, so I still have a few years left."

Earlier this year, Alonso said he had considered competing in the Le Mans 24 Hours.