Alonso agrees new partnership deal

Fernando Alonso has not signed a new contract with McLaren, more a new partnership agreement.

Well that’s the feeling of the former two-time former Formula One World Champion.

The Spaniard told Sky Sports: ‘We don’t talk about contract clauses but it’s more of a long-term partnership, I would be extremely happy to finish my career in McLaren.

‘I don’t think it’s going to be one year.’

Alonso signed his new ‘long-term partnership’ agreement with McLaren after they opted to severe ties with Japanese engine manufacturer Honda and take Renault power from 2018.

This should, in theory, see McLaren take a huge leap forward for next year and could be ready to immediately challenge Red Bull Racing for podiums and potential race victories against Mercedes and Ferrari.

But Alonso has also been kept happy by an agreement to allow him to explore other opportunities within motorsport.

Earlier this year Alonso competed in the Indianapolis 500 and made comments about his desire to compete in the Le Mans 24 Hour Race.

There is already talk in the paddock that Alonso could prepare for that possibility in the future by racing at Daytona.

McLaren chief Zak Brown said: ‘There’s not a ‘Le Mans clause’ per se, There is an understanding that if Fernando would like to do some additional racing that doesn’t compromise our Formula 1 efforts then we’ll be open to that conversation and flexible.

‘As you saw with Indianapolis earlier this year, we’re an organisation that likes to race and Fernando Alonso is the biggest racer in this pit lane.’