McLaren CEO Zak Brown admits Fernando Alonso will be on “speed-dial” if a situation required a replacement driver in the future.
This Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marks the Spaniard’s final race in Formula 1 after a 17-year career which has seen him score 36 wins and of course, his two world titles.
Despite regularly admitting his frustration at the current state of the sport, Alonso insists it is the challenges that he has away from F1 that have motivated his decision.
However, should the British team need to replace either Lando Norris or Carlos Sainz next year, Brown claims the 37-year-old will be the first on the list.
“We certainly wouldn’t hesitate,” he told Reuters. “If we needed a driver that’s not one of our current two, to have Fernando be the first on the speed-dial list.
“[Michael] Schumacher came back, [Alain] Prost came back. I wouldn’t rule that out.
“We’re very happy with our driver line-up for the future. That’s what we are very focused on at this moment but never say never.
“He’s certainly driving at the top of his game.”
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Alonso himself has sent mixed messages over whether he would want to return to F1, however, an interview with ESPN seemed to offer his clearest position yet.
“I don’t think so,” he said. “I think at that time, 2021, it will be a little bit too late.
“I don’t know for certain because it’s difficult to know how you will feel in two weeks’ time, so I don’t know in two years’ time, but to have the energy to start back up and to put full dedication and full commitment to something when you’re 39 or 40 years old … it’s going to be more difficult than now.
“I am not planning that.”
To commemorate Alonso’s final race, McLaren will run a special livery with his racing colours over the years at the back of his car.
