Alonso input would be valuable in new Mclaren challenger

Fernando Alonso’s input on the 2019 Mclaren Formula 1 car would be “very valuable”, reckon new drivers Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz Jr.

Two-time F1 world champion Alonso departed grand prix racing at the conclusion of the 2018 season, albeit leaving the door open to a future comeback.

CEO Zak Brown made clear Alonso was welcome to try the new Mclaren, and rookie Norris hinted he would be willing to give up some running to have Alonso sample the car.

“I think [his input] will be very valuable,” Norris said. “He’s got the best idea how the car’s changed over the years, the best experience of what’s good and what’s bad, a lot more than I do.”

Renault convert Sainz agreed Mclaren could benefit from Alonso testing the 2019 design.

“It’s something that for sure is in Mclaren’s interests, or also Fernando’s interests to keep himself active,” said Sainz.

“It’s a decision more up to the management than to ourselves, but I wouldn’t see it with bad eyes.

“I would see it as a good thing to have a driver like Fernando comparing cars.”

While Mclaren’s sixth in the constructors’ standings in 2018 was a clear improvement on the nadir of ninth the previous year, the MCL33 faded down the order and was often slowest of all by the end of the season.

Brown freely admitted it was “an extremely poor racecar”.

Mclaren underwent major operational changes in 2018, but Norris conceded “no one knows” whether improvements will come as soon as next year.