Fernando Alonso has signed a new contract with the McLaren team for the 2018 season.
The former double-world champion has finally ended long-term speculation about his future in Formula 1.
The Spaniard will partner Stoffel Vandoorne for a second consecutive season which will see the Woking-based outfit partner with Renault as power unit suppliers for the very first time.
“It’s fantastic to be able to continue my relationship with everybody at McLaren,” said Alonso.
“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 F1. 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 forgotten how to win, and I believe we can achieve that again soon.”
McLaren racing director Eric Boullier is also delighted to have kept the Spaniard, he believes the team can help deliver Alonso a winning car after having parted ways with Honda after a troublesome period.
“With Fernando, you really can’t ask for a better driver to deliver a result for you on a Sunday afternoon – and I think everybody in F1 would acknowledge that sentiment,” added the Frenchman.
“He’s always been clear to me that this is a team he loves, and that his heart has always been set on staying.
“Today’s announcement shows that he’s fully committed to racing and winning as a McLaren driver, and, while we’ve often shared his frustrations over the past few years, we now feel that we can deliver on our promise to give him a competitive car next season.”
