Fernando Alonso will remain closely involved with McLaren’s Formula 1 team despite stepping down from his race seat in 2019.
RaceFans understands Alonso will have a role on the team’s pit wall and will take part in race weekend debriefs with its new driver line-up of Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz Jnr.Alonso will race in the Indianapolis 500 for McLaren next year and as well as three further World Endurance Championship races, including the Le Mans 24 Hours. He has indicated he will compete in other races next year as well.
However Alonso said yesterday he could take up the chance to drive the team’s F1 car during race weekends. “Maybe I can do some FP1s like the rookie drivers,” he said.
The 37-year-old hasn’t ruled out returning to an F1 race seat in the future and he said McLaren Group CEO Zak Brown wants to keep him closely involved with the grand prix team.
“We are talking,” said Alonso. “I know Zak wants me to be close to the team somehow. I’m part of McLaren next year with the Indy 500. If I can help the team in any way I will be more than happy.”
Alonso said on Thursday he could consider a return after 2019. “I don’t know what the future will bring,” he said. “Definitely now I’m concentrating on the personal challenges, the triple crown and some other races that I will add next year.
“For 2020 I don’t know exactly what I will do, or what will be the plan. Further away, it’s impossible to think – but yeah, who knows? Life is long and beautiful. I like Formula One. I will always love Formula One.”
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Garns (@)
24th November 2018, 10:49
Team manger and/or owner in the future? As much as he has been frustrated in the past few years you cant question his commitment. I think he in charge of a team may work out nicely.
Jere (@jerejj)
24th November 2018, 10:50
@garns Indeed.
Nulla Pax (@nullapax)
24th November 2018, 10:52
Seems like he genuinely wants to keep his hand in, good.
Not sure I would like to be on the receiving end of his anger if he has any kind of managerial position though.
Garns (@)
24th November 2018, 10:58
Yes, maybe not, but not sure Ron Dennis would have been the easiest guy to work for either, and add many others to that list too.
L (@lebz)
24th November 2018, 11:13
“Valterri, this is Alonso…”
Johan Tolemans
24th November 2018, 11:56
Just when you think he has dragged Mclaren to the absolute bottom, but at least now he leaves and perhaps the toxic atmosphere can clear up, this…
David BR (@david-br)
24th November 2018, 20:55
It would be bizarre anywhere but McLaren World. The driver who’s left the team because he’s fed up of driving around at the back will now be on the pit wall as ‘special guest motivational speaker.’
Coanda (@ming-mong)
24th November 2018, 12:15
Seems to me a part of this decision to stop racing F1 is FA way to help out CS just like MS helped out PM..
OmarRoncal - Go Seb!!! (@)
24th November 2018, 14:15
@ming-mong
FA: Alonso
CS: Carlos Sainz
MS: Michael Schumacher
PM ?????
Richard (@rick1984)
24th November 2018, 14:47
@omarr-pepper guessing he means FM – Pelipe Massa???? Either that or Schumacher somehow helped Pastor Maldonado onto the grid!!!
MaliceCooper
24th November 2018, 12:40
Like any good superhero or supervillain: just when you think he’s gone, a hand bursts out of the rubble and he’s back for another round. :-)
Fritz (@fritzoos)
24th November 2018, 12:45
Nicely put.
Maciek (@maciek)
24th November 2018, 14:24
Ha! nicely done : ) …nice name as well btw
glynh (@glynh)
24th November 2018, 13:00
Alonso doing the occasional practice makes a lot of sense with both current drivers leaving as it will allow a better comparison for development.
Xcm
24th November 2018, 16:57
Well, he has been running mclaren for the last 2-3 years anyways, might as well make it official…