F1 News
McLaren to be joined by Fernando Alonso at Italian GP!
McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl has revealed that Fernando Alonso will be with the team at the Italian Grand Prix, whilst also admitting that he could have been in the race seat if Lando Norris' foot injury was more serious.
Alonso retired from F1 at the end of last season but rumours of a return have rumbled on, and the Spaniard could have been in line for a shock return recently, although Sergey Sirotkin would be their first choice reserve driver.
He said, according to Motorsport.com: “With Lando being clear that he felt fine to race, the back-up would have been Sergey.
“It’s a different situation if we know early enough, to look for alternatives. But it’s something we discuss when it comes to that situation.
“Our reserve driver is Sergey, so we have the seat ready and everything, and we have prepared him in the simulator.”
However, Seidl added on the Alonso front: “I don’t know exactly how the contract is exactly but he is still a part of McLaren.
“Zak [Brown] is still having a lot of exchange with him and other programmes I’m sure. If we would have an issue like that, there would be a discussion happening.”
Seidl went on to confirm that the two time world champion would be meeting up with the team in Italy: “He will come as an ambassador and visit us."