Alonso won't drive for McLaren again in 2019

Fernando Alonso is highly unlikely to make another appearance in McLaren's Formula 1 car in 2019, despite the team having suggested the Spaniard would be a regular feature in test events this year. Alonso took part in this year's test following the Spanish Grand Prix.

Alonso agreed an ambassadorial role with McLaren, having quitted the race team at the end of last year to focus on securing the 'Triple Crown' and his WEC commitments.

McLaren have impressed in F1, with Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz putting the team fourth in the championship after seven races, and locking out the third row in qualifying for the eighth – in France.

Alonso has previously said he would look to return to F1 if a top seat was on offer, but McLaren's surging fortunes will not see him return this year.

Team principal Andreas Seidl said: "We have no plan to put Fernando back in the Formula 1 car at McLaren. We are very happy with Lando and Carlos. They are doing a great job and they're the future for us - and that is also my focus.

"But [Alonso] is still a member of McLaren, an ambassador for McLaren, and I think there will be a discussion in the future with potentially other racing projects."

Alonso was mentioned as a reserve driver for McLaren at the start of the year, but the team this week confirmed that Sergey Sirotkin had been appointed to that role, sharing him with engine supplier Renault.

Explaining Sirotkin's appointment, Seidl added: "It is not possible for Fernando to be here at every race and be reserve driver. We work closely together in this partnership with Renault on the powertrain side, and Sergey will be at each track until the end of the season.

"So it simply made sense to have this agreement and to share resources with Renault. And in the case of an emergency, straight away we have a reserve driver at the track. So that was the reason for this agreement."

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

F1 Penalty Points: Ollie Bearman closest to race ban after Japanese GP

• 4 minutes ago

F1 Penalty Points 2026: Which stars risk race ban after Japanese Grand Prix?

• 2 hours ago

Toto Wolff reacts to Mercedes F1 reshuffle: 'You realise someone is more clever than you'

• 2 hours ago

Max Verstappen knew these new F1 regulations would be bad, he told everybody three years ago

• 3 hours ago

Rattled George Russell is being schooled by rivals and his F1 title dream is already fracturing

• Today 10:57

Ferrari F1 suspect Mercedes skullduggery with new engine trick

• Today 09:51