McLaren, with a fragile car, is not looking for any adventures in 2019 season. Zak Brown, McLaren Formula 1 CEO, said that the they aren’t willing to “take a risk with two younger drivers.” The strategy does not fall in line, unless they managed to produce reliable efficient piece on track.
McLaren’s lead driver Fernando Alonso’s Formula 1 future is still undecided. Two times world champion has still to announce about his F1 plans beyond 2018. Stoffel Vandroone, who has been with Alonso, failed to impress the manufacturer. He couldn’t meet the expectations built during his junior single seater racing tenure.
Formula 2 title contender, Lando Norris, has been part of McLaren as a reserve driver. He is eyeing for a window of opportunity to start his F1 career.
Norris the most probable choice, if any of the two drivers needed to be replaced.
Brown, before the season had hit the summer break, told reporters that team is evaluating all options available.
“It’s difficult to get set in any one particular direction because so many pieces move,” he said.
“In situations like this you need to keep every door and every avenue open and wait for some dominoes to fall. Sometimes it’s in your control, sometimes it’s not.
“We know our situation with Stoffel. We’re seeing what other opportunities may or may not be available, seeing ultimately what Fernando wants to do.
“It’s also about the package – experience and youth – especially in the situation we’re in.
“Because we’re rebuilding, to have two young drivers in our car wouldn’t be a great place to be.
“If we had a better race car then you might take a risk with two younger drivers because you’ve given them good racecars.”
McLaren undecided over drivers
Alonso’s stay at McLaren is to be decided, while Vandoorne is pushing his limits to keep his position.
Brown referred to chassis modification in Vandoorne car, to make a point McLaren seriousness about the driver.
“The reality is we have two open seats, and it’s our job to get the best driver situation possible and that requires talking to other drivers up and down pitlane,” said Brown.
“Every racing driver knows that they need to perform at the highest level because teams are always looking for the best solution at that moment.”
