Double Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso has signed a new deal to stay with the the Woking outfit for the 2018 season, despite the lack of performance shown by the team since his initial signing in 2015.
Alonso rejoined McLaren in 2015, the year that the team’s engine partnership with Honda was started, however since the outfit has struggled for performance, and the team will switch to Renault power next year – which was announced at the Singapore Grand Prix.
McLaren’s new deal to retain Fernando Alonso, which had been ongoing for a couple of months, has now been finalized, and the double world champion will drive for McLaren-Renault in 2018.
The team announced the decision on their Twitter account, with the theme of “learning Spanish” in the video which indirectly confirmed Alonso’s stay, however just minutes later the team released an official press release – confirming the inevitable.
Commenting on his extension with McLaren, Alonso said: “It’s fantastic to be able to continue my relationship with everybody at McLaren. It was always where my heart was telling me to stay, and I really feel at home here. This is a fantastic team, full of incredible people, with a warmth and friendliness that I’ve never experienced elsewhere in Formula 1. I’m incredibly happy to be racing here.
“Just as important, McLaren has the technical resource and financial strength to be able to very quickly win races and world championships in F1. Although the last few years have not been easy, we have never forgot-ten how to win, and I believe we can achieve that again soon.
“The last three years have given us the momentum to plan and build for the future, and I’m looking forward to that journey.
“I’m excited for our future together – and I’m already working hard to make it a success.”
