McLaren confirms Alonso’s return for 2015 Formula 1 season

Formula 1 team McLaren stated three weeks ago that it was not planning on announcing its driver line-up for 2015 before December 1. But in the end, the motor racing world had to wait until today, December 11, before the UK-based outfit confirmed one of the worst-kept secrets in Formula 1: that Fernando Alonso would be returning.

On Wednesday, journalists were invited to McLaren headquarters in Woking, near London, for a press conference the next day. Just a few hours beforehand, Alonso arrived at the so-called Technology Center on a flight from Dubai. “McLaren-Honda is delighted to announce its new driver line-up for 2015: Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button. Kevin Magnussen will remain an important part of the team, as test and reserve driver,” the official press release read.

Alonso said: “[My first] kart had the livery of one of the most legendary partnerships in the history of Formula 1, McLaren-Honda, the car that Ayrton [Senna] drove, the same partnership to which I am now honored to join, to take part in the next Formula 1 world championship.

I am joining this project with enormous enthusiasm, knowing it may require time to achieve results” Fernando Alonso

“I am joining this project with enormous enthusiasm and determination, knowing that it may require some time to achieve the results we are aiming for, which is no problem for me.”

“I can safely say that we now have by an order of magnitude the best driver line-up of any current Formula 1 team,” added Ron Dennis, the McLaren chairman.

The Spanish former world champion will be driving alongside Briton Jenson Button, another veteran on the Formula 1 circuit. Alonso suffered a tense season at McLaren in 2007, when he was sharing a garage with then-rookie Lewis Hamilton, who proved to be much more competitive than anyone had predicted. Alonso’s relationship with the team broke down irreparably, but he later claimed that it was not so much to do with his rival, but more with the treatment he received from Ron Dennis.

Hamilton has been driving for Mercedes since 2013, but the role that Dennis will play in the upcoming season has yet to be defined. It will be interesting to see the relationship between the former enemies should the McLaren chairman take a more hands-on role, although it is likely to be team principal Éric Boullier who mediates between the two.

I can safely say we now have the best driver line-up of any current Formula 1 team” McLaren Chairman Ron Dennis

As much as the two sides might like to project an image of harmony, the partnership of McLaren and Alonso reflects the difficult times all involved are facing. Had it not been for Alonso’s unhappiness at his former team Ferrari, which was unable to provide him with a winning car, or McLaren’s lack of success in recent seasons, it is unlikely this deal would ever have been done.

But the salary of roughly €35 million that the Spanish driver will take home will no doubt help heal the wounds. The deal, the biggest ever signed in the history of the sport, is based on 2015 and 2016, with an optional third season. The contract does, however, contain get-out clauses, so that Alonso can leave the team should he receive a more attractive offer.

This next chapter is filled with unknowns, in particular regarding the power unit that will be used by McLaren. After a six-year absence, Honda has decided to return to F1 as an engine supplier for the team, something that helped Alonso make the decision to leave Ferrari after five years. However, not until testing sessions get underway will his chances for the 2015 season become clear. The first results, in Abu Dhabi, were less than promising: just two completed laps in two whole days.