Fernando Alonso plays down chances of taking F1 sabbatical in 2015

The double F1 world champion is set to leave Ferrari at the end of 2014 with two years left on his current contract, after his five-year relationship with the Scuderia broke down.

Mercedes is Alonso's preferred destination, but it has ruled out signing him until 2016 at the earliest, so the Spaniard's options appear limited to joining McLaren or taking a sabbatical in 2015.

But with Alonso keen to keep his options open for 2016, McLaren seeking to tie him down for longer than a single season, and no obvious competitive alternatives, there appears no guarantee Alonso will race in F1 next year.

When asked by AUTOSPORT during the Russian Grand Prix whether there was a danger he could end up without a drive in F1 next season, Alonso replied: "Probably not a big risk.

"I am not in a hurry [to announce my future]. As I said in Suzuka, I understand the curiosity and I understand the fans, and the news that can be around the future, but do not worry.

"Just relax, enjoy, and when it is time to know it, you will know it.

"As I said in Suzuka, my mind is set for the last two or three months, and you will understand that it is very obvious what I will do.

"I will do the best for my future, the best for the future of Ferrari as well, because that has been my priority for several years.

"So my decision inside and outside the track was to help this fantastic team, and I am still happy with the things we have."

Alonso's current Ferrari team-mate Kimi Raikkonen has a year remaining on his own contract, and although Sebastian Vettel's decision to quit Red Bull for Ferrari suggests Alonso will definitely be departing the Scuderia, the Spaniard refused to confirm he has agreed to leave.

When asked whether he's signed a clause to end his spell at Ferrari, Alonso replied: "Well I didn't say that, and Ferrari didn't say that, so this is just another rumour."