McLaren executive director Zak Brown said on last weekend that his team is in an excellent situation with the options available for their line-up of drivers in 2019.
McLaren already has two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, Belgian’s Stoffel Vandroone and promising youngster Lando Norris.
Alonso is likely to stay at McLaren in 2019 if the transition from the Honda engine to the Renault gives him the opportunity to return to podiums, while the British training still has the option to promote Norris to the position if Alonso came to leave the team prematurely or Vandoorne just would not do the job this year.
Norris has been promoted to McLaren reserve and test driver for the 2018 Formula 1 season, replacing Jenson Button, with the 18-year-old set to participate next year in either the Formula 2.
“There are several different scenarios, it’s like playing the jackpot. It could be this, this or that.” Brown told to media.
“We know the scenarios, but we have not yet set expectations because we would lose by taking it early and thinking about what will happen.
“We are in an excellent position where we have three excellent drivers and two tubs, which is a luxury situation. We must first see how things will go before determining what the future will look like.” Brown added.
Vandoorne, he had a difficult first year in Formula 1, and was largely beaten by his team-mate Alonso, notably in qualifying. But he made great progress at the end of the season, and Brown encourages him to continue his momentum for 2018.
Lando Norris replaces Jenson Button at McLaren as test driver in 2018. (Source:www.skysports.com)
“Last year Stoffel was in a totally different situation than Alonso, Stoffel was still learning some circuits.” Brown told.
“I think that last year was beneficial for its development in a strange way, because it put more pressure on him and he had to be faster to analyze the situation and make the most of it.
“From now on, he has to trade with Fernando because of a big discrepancy during qualifying, and I would like this sharing to be the same for the race, he must give Fernando for his money.
“I think every rider knows that everyone is eyeing his bucket, not just Lando, so I think Stoffel is very focused and physically fit to do a good job. We should see good things from him.” the American added.
