Fernando Alonso will test for McLaren at some point this season, the team has announced.
The 37-year-old will participate in “selected tests to support the development of MCL34 and MCL35 for 2020,” according to the team.Alonso, who stood down from its F1 race team at the end of last year, will remain associated with McLaren as its brand ambassador. Alonso will also drive McLaren’s entry in the Indianapolis 500 this May.
“Becoming a McLaren ambassador is a true honour,” said Alonso. “It is a special team, and despite the challenges we have endured recently, it remains so.
“I said before I stopped racing in Formula 1 last year that I see myself with McLaren for a long time to come, so I am delighted at this new role and the ability to stay closely involved with the team I feel is my spiritual home.”
Alonso first drove for McLaren in 2007, winning four races, but split from the team in acrimonious circumstances at the end of the year after his involvement in revealing the ‘spygate’ affair came to light.
He surprised many by returning to McLaren in 2015 to drive its Honda-powered car. However the partnership with the Japanese manufacturer began poorly and ended after three years. Alonso continued to drive for the team with Renault power last season.
“For any race team, having someone of Fernando’s class on hand to provide support through his experience is of huge value,” said McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown. “His insights and perspective will be welcomed by both our drivers and engineers alike, while his stature and character remain highly appealing to our partners and fans.”
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kpcart
27th February 2019, 10:28
I can see Alonso as a highly active driver in the next 3/4 years and even make a return to F1 at the age of 40 if a good seat comes up. He is gonna have fun driving also sorts of the worlds top racing series, and I wonder if he has a contract clause with mclaren, that if they return to the top, he has a seat with them. Sainz just put in this years fastest testing lap.
Gabriel (@rethla)
27th February 2019, 10:38
They need that crucial technical feedback, “GP2 engine”.
Garns (@)
27th February 2019, 10:48
Cant hurt to have a man of his calibre help develop the care, and a great mentor for Norris. Funny how he seems to have changed his tune on F1 as he gave a few sharped tounged parting comments (being able to pick the top 10 before the races comes to mind) but seems to be keen to be involved again which is great- maybe the grass isn’t always greener.
Croft
27th February 2019, 11:56
No point in developing a car for Alonso. Last thing new drivers need is him interfearing they need a clean break where the car is developed for them.
NoName (@noname)
27th February 2019, 10:52
McLaren forget about Alonso already SMH.
Islander
27th February 2019, 10:59
Please leave, Alonso.
You’ve had your time.
Norris needs to forge his own way. Untroubled.
iCarbs (@icarby)
27th February 2019, 11:24
What this tells me is that McLaren may have actually got a decent car this year *fingers crossed* and Mr. Alonso what’s to drive it possibly even compete, if that’s the case who’s going to lose their seat?
MrBoerns (@mrboerns)
27th February 2019, 14:15
I wonder what actually happened between 2015, Mclaren begrudingly taking Alonso back in what was obviously so so far from a wanted partnership for both sides to Mclaren basically being Fernando’s b
Ben Needham (@ben-n)
27th February 2019, 14:19
It must be difficult when stuck in a rut trying to decide whether to cut your losses and leave. Alonso “sort of” did that last year and I’m not totally surprised to see him lingering around the team already.
The McLaren certainly seems to have made a step up, but it’s impossible to tell until Melbourne. I hope it’s a good year for the team.
I could see Alonso trying to get back in… surely McLaren won’t allow that in 2019 even if they surprise everyone by fighting for wins, but perhaps in 2020. It’s too harsh on Norris and Sainz to change plans this year, but I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see Alonso in the car racing in 2020 if this season is promising (and maybe if he wins the Indy 500).