F1 | McLaren, Brown: “We are close to an extension with Alonso”

The announcement of Fernando Alonso's continued tenure with McLaren in 2018 will arrive in the next few days.

Most likely decisive, in this sense, is the breakdown of the partnership between Woking and Honda and the subsequent agreement with Renault (with which the Spaniard won his two titles in 2005 and 2006) which from next season will supply its power units to the British team.

"We are close to extending Fernando's contract – declared Zak Brown, executive director of McLaren – He is one of the best drivers and we want to keep him. We have very committed shareholders who have told us to do anything to win again".

"Next year – continued Brown – Let's hope we have a more competitive car. We have a good base to work on and all the tools necessary to battle with the other teams".

One of the reasons that would have pushed Alonso to stay in McLaren could also have been that of a future participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, after the experience in Indianapolis with the Andretti team last May: "I think 2018 is too close in time to talk about McLaren at Le Mans – Brown said –  We spoke to Fernando and if he wanted to try something, he would be free to do so in the right conditions".