For the second time in a month, Spanish publication Diario Gol has reported Fernando Alonso will leave McLaren at the end of this season.
Initially, it was suggested the double world champion could be forced out as the British team look to save costs following the drop in revenue caused by the decision to split with Honda at the end of last year.
Now though, the same source is claiming the 36-year-old has become “increasingly frustrated” at McLaren’s inability to produce a car that allows him to compete with Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull.
As a result, Alonso will quit Formula 1 and potentially focus on his WEC ‘superseason’ with Toyota with F2 driver and current reserve Lando Norris stepping up to replace the Spaniard, Diario Gol concludes.
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Once again, this is considered purely a speculative piece, particularly with Fernando himself insisting McLaren is the “place to be” in China after his manager Flavio Briatore said he should make himself available for a seat either at Mercedes or Ferrari for 2019.
Currently, it is believed Alonso signed a one-year extension to his contract for this year with the option of extending for next year.