Official: Fernando Alonso extends contract with McLaren for 2018
As expected for several weeks, McLaren has just officially extended Fernando Alonso's contract for the 2018 season.
It was highly likely, it’s now official, Fernando Alonso will indeed be part of the new McLaren-Renault venture next season. The team officially announced today the extension of the Spanish driver’s contract for at least one additional season. The 2018 season will thus mark the fourth consecutive year of collaboration between the double world champion and the Woking team.
The decision by the British team to abandon the Honda engine in favor of a Renault engine has convinced the former French brand driver to continue with McLaren. However, the official statement does not specify the length of the contract extension.
The news was announced through a very British humor video on the McLaren team’s Twitter account:
The guys and girls of McLaren have been taking language lessons in preparation for 2018… 🔊😉 #VamosFernando pic.twitter.com/0Zw3rAaLbE
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) 19 octobre 2017
His teammate (already extended for next year) also expressed happiness about the news in a reply to Fernando Alonso’s tweet announcing his presence at McLaren next year:
👏👊 #Team
— Stoffel Vandoorne (@svandoorne) 19 octobre 2017
Fernando Alonso is delighted to be able to continue with McLaren: « It’s fantastic to be able to continue my relationship with everyone at McLaren. It was always where my heart told me to stay, and I truly feel at home here. It’s a fantastic team, full of incredible people, with a warmth and kindness I’ve never experienced elsewhere in Formula 1. I am very happy to continue racing here. »
For the 2005 and 2006 world champion, McLaren is capable of helping him find the path to victory: « Equally important, McLaren has the technical and financial resources needed to quickly win races and world championships in F1. Although the past few years have not been easy, we have never forgotten how to win, and I believe we can achieve that quickly. The past three years have given us the momentum needed to plan and build for the future, and I can’t wait to be part of this adventure. I am excited about our future together, and I am already working hard to make it a success. »
Director of the team, Eric Boullier is delighted with the news and claims to have the best driver on the grid in Fernando Alonso: With Fernando, you really can’t hope for a better driver to deliver race results, and I think everyone in Formula 1 will acknowledge that. He has always clearly told me that he loves this team and has always been keen to stay.
For the French, this proves Fernando Alonso’s commitment to his team: « Today’s announcement shows that he is fully committed to the race for victory as a McLaren driver and, although we have often shared his frustrations over the past few years, we now believe that we can keep our promise to provide him with a competitive car next season. Driver consistency is one of those small essential elements that really help a team maintain its momentum and, with Fernando and Stoffel, we have the chance to write a new chapter with what we believe is the best Formula 1 driver. »
