McLaren Racing and Fernando Alonso will continue their relationship with the appointment of the two-time world champion as a McLaren Racing ambassador in a wide-ranging agreement which will include testing the team's 2019 and 2020 cars.

Alonso contested 95 Grands Prix with McLaren in 2007 and then 2015 to 2018, winning four races and scoring a total of 241 points for the team. In addition, he contested the Indianapolis 500 with McLaren in 2017.

As part of the continued relationship, the Spaniard will stay closely connected to McLaren Racing activities, helping advise the team's drivers and engineers.

He will also drive at selected tests to support the development of MCL34 and MCL35 for 2020.

Alonso is to contest the 103rd running of the Indianapolis 500 in 2019 as a McLaren driver, as he attempts to become only the second driver in history to complete motorsport's Triple Crown.

"Fernando is part of the McLaren family," said Zak Brown. "He has set his place in the team's history and continues to write his chapter of the McLaren story, so it is entirely appropriate that we formalise his status as a McLaren ambassador, joining another double champion, Mika Hakkinen.

"For any race team, having someone of Fernando's class on hand to provide support through his experience is of huge value. His insights and perspective will be welcomed by both our drivers and engineers alike, while his stature and character remain highly appealing to our partners and fans."

"Becoming a McLaren ambassador is a true honour," said Alonso. "It is a special team, and despite the challenges we have endured recently, it remains so. I said before I stopped racing in Formula 1 last year that I see myself with McLaren for a long-time to come, so I am delighted at this new role and the ability to stay closely involved with the team I feel is my spiritual home.

"We have the Indianapolis 500 in May of course, which I am looking forward to immensely, but this is just the beginning of many things we can do together. I am particularly passionate about nurturing young talent, whether that's with my own team or helping the new generation of Formula 1 drivers at McLaren unlock their true potential. This is important to both the team and myself, so will be an especially rewarding part of my role."

LATEST NEWS

more news >

LATEST IMAGES

galleries >

Click to go to the main galleries section

READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Esteban, 05/03/2019 6:21

"Remember spygate? You know, when Alonso tried to blackmail Dennis and McLaren? No?"

Rating: Neutral (0) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

2. Posted by GarH, 28/02/2019 9:35

"@equator180

Can you specify what Alonso has done to make this years McLaren appear to be much better than the 2018 car. He hasn't made the engine better, as McLaren are not allowed to touch it. He drove for McLaren for 4 seasons, why was he unable to make the 2018 car a winner?

If Alonso knew this year's car was going have potential, why did he retire? Don't forget he did a lot of chasing around all the other teams, only to discover none of them would touch him with a bargepole, opps. Don't believe the image, look at the facts since 2006. Not many wins, no championships, lots of disagreements and an obsession with winning a fantasy trophy against no competition in the WEC, and still dependant upon team orders to achieve that.

Never mind, he's got a massive bank balance and he's got a mate for life in Zak Brown.
"

Rating: Positive (3) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

3. Posted by equator180, 28/02/2019 1:19

"Many here fail to realize (or think or admit) this year's entry is a direct result of Alonso's input, experience and ability, get over it!"

Rating: Negative (-3) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

4. Posted by GarH, 27/02/2019 18:28

"@spectrum

Nothing? Getting the boot from McLaren after one season. Running back to Renault with his tail between his legs? Claiming a corrupt race win at the 2008 Singapore GP? Leaving Ferrari for McLaren Honda? Nagging Zak Brown into replacing Honda engines with Renaults?

You've got a poor memory.

@klmn, if Zak Brown believes drivers design cars, he's a fool.
"

Rating: Positive (1) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

5. Posted by klmn, 27/02/2019 15:51

"Helping and advise the engineers ??
OMG not again !!!!!!"

Rating: Positive (2) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

6. Posted by spectrum, 27/02/2019 15:51

"Rebuttal to previous post by GarH, an f1 drivers ability or talent cannot be measured by the team he or she drives for. Regarding the post Alonso: "he'll once again be the laughing stock of the paddock "is simple ignorance. Would you say the same of Sterling Moss? Using your logic Jenson Button must be the best F1 driver of all time for signing with Braun in 2009.Not even going to go with Ayrton Senna signing with Williams in 1993.NOTHING ALONSO HAS DONE IN HIS PROFESSIONAL CAREER WOULD BRAND HIM LAUGHING STOCK OF ANY PADDOCK!
"

Rating: Negative (-1) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

7. Posted by Yeyox02, 27/02/2019 15:11

"Ambassador????? ambassador???? LOL no kidding! LOL."

Rating: Positive (1) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

8. Posted by GarH, 27/02/2019 12:18

"Could we be seeing yet another poor choice by Alonso? He's left McLaren F1 just as they turn the corner to producing a car that might get into the top 6. If so, he'll once again be the laughing stock of the paddock.
"

Rating: Positive (1) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

Alonso appointed McLaren Racing ambassador

LATEST NEWS

RELATED ARTICLES

LATEST IMAGES

POST A COMMENT

Post your comment

READERS COMMENTS

Share this page