Fernando Alonso won't drive for McLaren again in 2019

Fernando Alonso

Alonso won't drive for McLaren again in 2019

They're moving on.

Matthew Scott

Sunday 23 June 2019 12:21

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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.

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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."