Fernando Alonso will drive the 2019 McLaren at “selected tests” during the upcoming year as part of a new ambassadorial role with the team.
The Spaniard was in Barcelona on Tuesday as the second Formula 1 test got underway, however, it was also confirmed the double world champion will not be climbing aboard the MCL34 this week.
However, in addition to his Indianapolis 500 bid with McLaren in May, where he will compete with the famous No.66, he will also be liaising closely with the F1 team as they look to return to competitiveness.
“Becoming a McLaren ambassador is a true honour,” Alonso said in the announcement of his new role. “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.
“We have the Indianapolis 500 in May of course, which I am looking forward to immensely, but this is just the beginning of many things we can do together.
“I am particularly passionate about nurturing young talent, whether that’s with my own team or helping the new generation of F1 drivers at McLaren unlock their true potential.
“This is important to both the team and myself, so will be an especially rewarding part of my role.”
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The news also appears to rule out any prospect of Alonso returning to F1 as a race driver in 2020, with his commitments in his ambassadorial position extending into next year.
Even so, CEO Zak Brown spoke highly of the status the 37-year-old now holds within McLaren and the contribution he can bring to the British team.
“Fernando is part of the McLaren family, he has set his place in the team’s history and continues to write his chapter of the McLaren story, so it is entirely appropriate that we formalise his status as a McLaren ambassador, joining another double champion, Mika Häkkinen,” the American said.
“For any race team, having someone of Fernando’s class on hand to provide support through his experience is of huge value.
“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.”
