According to AUTOSPORT, McLaren are making a play for two of the biggest names on the driver market…Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel. The report says they are attempting to secure the drivers after their current contracts are over which is in 2016 for Vettel and 2017 for Alonso.
The team are seeking a long-term solution for top talent and the securing of these drivers would help manage their short-term driver goals as well. Team boos Eric Boullier said:
“We are still pushing and we will take the time we need. We don’t want to do a mistake – we have one shot and we don’t want to miss it.
“McLaren is a top team, a big team, with a lot of history and we want to be back where we should be.
“So if we can afford to take the time to think and to prepare our strategy then we have to do it.”
With Honda returning to the sport as an engine supplier for McLaren in 2015, the team is looking to get back to its winning ways and securing the top talent is part of that plan. While Alonso’s tenure at the team didn’t last long back in 2007, things have changed and the team see intent on re-building the juggernaut that has been its calling card for decades.
The question is will either driver leave the established program they are currently in and can McLaren afford such expensive driving talent? That remains to be seen but there are compelling reasons either driver might take McLaren up on the offer.
