McLaren ready to make deal for Key

McLaren are prepared to put together a financial package or perhaps use a driver as a softener to try and bring new technical director, James Key in early.

Toro Rosso's James Key is joining McLaren when his lengthy contract is up with the Red Bull junior team - but McLaren want him now.

McLaren want to make the process quicker and are prepared to offer Toro Rosso a big money deal which could potentially include one of their drivers heading to Toro Rosso in exchange for Key.

Toro Rosso are openly interested in McLaren's junior driver Lando Norris after an approach earlier this season was rejected from the Woking-based side, so that is seen as a potential option for McLaren.

"In the world of F1, there's always ways and opportunities to change situations," McLaren's Zak Brown said to PlanetF1.com.

"That's certainly something that we'd potentially consider. We have hired James Key and he will become our technical director. He does have a current agreement with Toro Rosso and of course we respect contractual situations.

"I think Toro Rosso and Red Bull are understandably upset that they're losing a great talent like James Key. We have a plan, we obviously knew his current employment situation and we're completely comfortable working around that situation."