Whitmarsh does not rule out Alonso’s return to McLaren in 2015!
On the sidelines of the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend, a rumor suggests a possible return of Fernando Alonso to McLaren in 2015 when the team will be powered by Honda. Martin Whitmarsh, the team director, does not rule out this possibility.
The signing of Kimi Räikkönen with Ferrari for the next two seasons has created a significant upheaval in the Formula 1 microcosm. Many observers see this transfer as a warning to Fernando Alonso, with some not hesitating to suggest his departure to other teams as early as next year or a little later.
The latest rumor to emerge during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend these days concerns a possible return of the double world champion Spaniard to McLaren. Their partnership in 2007 had caused quite a stir, especially between the driver and Ron Dennis, then director of the Woking team. But with Martin Whitmarsh at the helm for several years now, McLaren might be ready to change its approach and put old grievances aside, as confirmed by the British leader who responds affirmatively when the Daily Mail asks if he would be willing to sign Alonso: « Yes, if I could. Fernando Alonso has his destiny in his hands, but we’ll see. I expect our driver lineup for next season to remain the same. But we are open to anything. In the long term, he [Alonso] would be a great asset. »
Whitmarsh even ventures to give his opinion on Räikkönen’s recruitment by Ferrari, a driver he knows well for having worked with him for many years under the McLaren banner: « It’s not for me to comment on what Ferrari does, but everyone was surprised by Kimi’s recruitment. But I don’t know if it will be a sustainable line-up. »
On his part, Jenson Button, who has not yet signed a contract for the next season, wanted to temper these rumors: « There hasn’t been any discussion. That’s the truth. But I think teaming up with Alonso would be quite exciting. »
Honda, which will become McLaren’s partner in 2015, aims to win races from the start of its return to Formula 1. Button believes he is capable of achieving this goal and is not overly concerned about his future: « There will be a different situation with new partners. It may require looking at the financing level, but I have no worries in that regard and I’m not concerned about my future with the team. »
