McLaren Keen to Retain Alonso Beyond 2017 as Recovery Continues
Team principal Eric Boullier signals McLaren’s intent to offer Fernando Alonso a contract extension, highlighting the Spaniard’s motivation and the team’s improving form.
McLaren has indicated it wants Fernando Alonso to remain with the team after his current contract expires at the end of 2017, with team principal Eric Boullier praising the Spaniard’s attitude and hinting at a possible renewal. Boullier’s comments come as McLaren-Honda works to rebuild its competitiveness following a difficult start to the hybrid era.
Alonso, who joined McLaren for a second stint in 2015, has endured a challenging period as the team’s Honda-powered cars have struggled for pace and reliability. He missed the Bahrain Grand Prix after sustaining chest injuries in a heavy crash at the Australian season opener, but returned to action for the Chinese round. Boullier told Spanish publication Marca that Alonso’s commitment had never wavered, even during recovery, and that his approach was valued within the team.
Speculation over Alonso’s future intensified after former F1 driver Johnny Herbert publicly suggested the double world champion should consider retirement, citing his recent injuries and the team’s lack of results. Boullier dismissed such talk, insisting Alonso remains highly motivated and is an essential part of McLaren’s plans. According to Boullier, the team would welcome extending his contract if the current working relationship continues.
Alonso’s influence and McLaren’s progress
Alonso’s presence has been seen as a stabilising factor for McLaren during a period of transition. Despite the team’s struggles, Boullier described Alonso as one of the main pillars supporting the squad’s efforts to return to competitiveness. The Frenchman pointed to Alonso’s decision to remain with the team in Bahrain, even when offered the chance to rest at home, as evidence of his dedication.
McLaren-Honda’s form in early 2016 has been modest, with the team sitting eighth in the constructors’ standings after the first three races and scoring a single point. Boullier maintains that the situation is improving, claiming the team is “seeing light at the end of the tunnel” and targeting a more competitive chassis by the Monaco Grand Prix. He suggested that podium finishes could become a realistic target as the season progresses.
Contract and sponsorship context
Alonso’s current deal runs until the end of 2017, but Boullier’s remarks make clear that McLaren would like to secure his services for longer. The team’s ability to retain a driver of Alonso’s calibre is seen as crucial to its ambitions, particularly as it seeks to attract new sponsors and rebuild its status in Formula One. Boullier dismissed concerns about the lack of a title sponsor, stating that Honda and a group of partners provide sufficient backing for the team’s operations.
With McLaren’s financial position described as stable and the technical team focused on delivering upgrades, the next phase will depend in part on whether Alonso chooses to extend his stay. For now, both parties appear open to continuing the partnership, provided the team’s upward trajectory continues.
For more on McLaren’s public support for Alonso during recent criticism, see McLaren Publicly Supports Alonso Amid Criticism.
