McLaren Holds Off on 2016 Driver Decisions Amid Struggles
McLaren’s management says no internal talks are underway about changing its Formula One driver line-up for 2016, despite a difficult start to the Honda partnership.
McLaren’s management has stated there are no internal discussions about changing its Formula One driver line-up for 2016, despite speculation in the British press and the team’s ongoing poor form. Seven races into the revived McLaren-Honda partnership, the team remains focused on technical improvements rather than its roster of drivers.
No Internal Talks on McLaren Driver Changes
- Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso are both under contract for 2016.
- Jonathan Neale (managing director) says there is no internal discussion about changing the line-up.
- British tabloids have speculated about Button’s future with the team.
- McLaren has talented reserve drivers: Kevin Magnussen and Stoffel Vandoorne.
Managing director Jonathan Neale told Sky Sports in Canada that McLaren currently has an “embarrassment of riches” with world champions Button and Alonso, as well as promising reserve drivers Magnussen and Vandoorne. Neale praised both Button and Alonso for their efforts this season and confirmed that no internal talks are happening regarding changes to the line-up.
Technical Struggles Take Priority
Neale’s comments echo those of racing director Eric Boullier, who has said the team’s focus is on improving every area except the drivers. Boullier described the technical challenges as substantial, with both cars suffering reliability issues in Montreal. Alonso experienced technical problems in practice, while Button was unable to take part in qualifying due to a mechanical failure.
| Driver | Session | Issue |
|---|---|---|
| Fernando Alonso | Practice | Technical problems |
| Jenson Button | Qualifying | Mechanical failure |
Team shareholders attended the Canadian Grand Prix and witnessed the difficulties first-hand. Boullier said the shareholders remain supportive and understand the scale of the project. The team is working to address reliability and performance issues with the Honda power unit and chassis, but no timeline has been given for a turnaround.
Summary: McLaren’s Position
Despite ongoing speculation and a challenging season, McLaren’s management has made clear that the immediate priority is technical progress. The team is not considering changes to its driver line-up for 2016, with both Button and Alonso under contract and receiving praise for their efforts amid difficult circumstances.
For more on the team’s stance regarding Button’s future, see Boullier: Button’s McLaren future not under discussion yet.
