Alonso moves closer to 2019 McLaren comeback

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has confirmed that Fernando Alonso is "very open" to the prospect of returning to the team in 2019 to test its car. Alonso will step away from F1 for 2019 in order to try and secure the 'Triple Crown' by winning the Indianapolis 500 in a McLaren-backed bid.

Although Alonso's departure was seen as a retirement from F1, it appears increasingly likely that the double world champion will take to the track in some capacity next year.

Both 2019 drivers – Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris – have welcomed the prospect of Alonso providing pre-season feedback on McLaren's car as the team looks to bounce back from yet another underwhelming campaign in 2018.

Although Alonso's return is yet to be confirmed, Brown suggested that a decision could be made following the Spanaird's outing at next month's 24 Hours of Daytona – where he will race for Wayne Taylor Racing.

"I have spoken to Fernando about it. He is very open to it," Brown said.

"These F1 world champions, whether it's Michael Schumacher or Mika Hakkinen, who came close to a comeback, don't want to be too far from the F1 pit lane.

"There's a lot he can contribute experience-wise. Carlos and Lando are open to any ideas that will bring us experience. Fernando knows the team very well, Lando doesn't have that experience, and Carlos doesn't have that experience with us. It's something I'll be talking to him about.

"I'll go to Daytona for Fernando's Daytona testing and we're going to chat to him further then."

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