Alonso still in line to drive for McLaren in 2019

McLaren are still open to the idea of Fernando Alonso being involved with the team in 2019 and it is likely that he will be a reserve driver. McLaren are also involved in the Spaniards Indy 500 project, where he tries to complete the triple crown. Alonso has been very open about his desire to return to Formula 1 and win a third World Title in 2020. 

Speaking at the launch of McLaren’s 2019 MCL34, Brown said: “Fernando is still part of the team with our Indy 500 project.

“Gil ultimately leads our kind of driver plan so we have a few plans in directions that we could go if we needed a reserve driver.

“I think we’d probably stop short of announcing our reserve driver, but I think there is a variety of drivers out there that if we need someone on short notice could fill that role.”

Brown also didn’t rule out the suggestion of changes to McLaren’s pre-season testing schedule, something which could open the door for Alonso.

“Right now we are taking testing one day at a time,” he explained.

“We are focusing on our racing drivers. Any time you go into pre-season testing and doing everything from reliably and performance, you have a set plan and you take it one day at a time.”

McLaren launched their 2019 car earlier today and are ready for the season to start in just under one months time.