Inside Line: What Andretti's Honda deal may mean for Alonso

Amid the uncertainty of Fernando Alonso' future, there has been an interesting development in IndyCar, which could influence his decision, as Andretti Autosport have decided to stick with Honda power for 2018 and beyond when a switch to Chevrolet was being seriously considered by the team.

After renewing their deal with Honda this week, team chief Michael Andretti told media, “It’s no secret that we’ve been weighing this decision for a while now. We’ve had strong relationships and have marked milestones with both manufacturers, but we’re pleased to continue our Honda partnership."

"We have a great history of success with Honda and I have no doubt that together, our collection of achievements will continue to grow,” added Andretti.

This development spawned a Twitter

tête-à-tête between Andretti Autosport and Fernando Alonso, with Andretti tweeting:

And Alonso responding:

Andretti Autosport was the team that McLaren used to give Alonso his headline grabbing Indy 500 debut, where not only did he shine, but also impressed American fans and media with his performance and demeanour.

With Alonso's future in Formula 1 uncertain, the option to stay with McLaren-Honda is increasingly the most likely way for him to remain on the grid at the pinnacle of the sport.

Should the Spaniard decide to quit Formula 1 it is expected that he will continue his career in America, with Andretti Autosport one of the teams most capable of providing him with winning equipment and the conditions his status deserves.

After all the team has claimed three IndyCar series championships with Honda power - in 2004, 2005 and 2007- as well as Indianapolis 500 victories in 2005, 2007, 2014, 2016 and 2017.

Since its inception in 2003, Andretti has racked up 56 IndyCar Series victories, 47 under Honda power. Overall, Honda has 225 IndyCar victories.

Ryan Hunter-Reay and Marco Andretti are already contracted with Andretti Autosport for 2018. The team says it will announce its remaining drivers in the coming weeks.

No doubt Andretti will wait on Alonso, to see if the double F1 World Champion will remain in Formula 1.

For argument's sake, if Alonso does opt to stay with McLaren beyond 2017, a collaboration between Andretti Autosport. Providing an attractive alternative project for the Woking outfit to tackle should Honda's woes in F1 continue next year without losing Alonso's services.

A McLaren 'badged' Andretti Autosport, powered by Honda, IndyCar campaign for Alonso might be a sweet alternative to a fourth year of plodding in no man's land in Formula 1 - without too much disruption.

Thus giving the Spaniard a foot in both doors, providing him with an option to seamlessly return to the F1 grid should Honda find that elusive 'magic switch' on their ineffective F1 power units bolted on the the back of the orange cars.

Furthermore, McLaren with Zak Brown at the helm have made no secret of their interest in undertaking an IndyCar programme should the right conditions prevail in the future. Could this be that opportunity?

Admittedly this is pure speculation, but right now with the Alonso situation anything is possible, except for a seat with a winning F1 team for him...