Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsMcLaren

McLaren denies imminent 2016 driver announcement

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Reports in the Italian media have surfaced in the last 24 hours claiming that Jenson Button will be replaced next year by McLaren supported and current GP2 leader Stoffel Vandoorne, adding that the line-up would be officially announced at the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix.

McLaren however have denied the allegations, a spokesman telling Pitpass.com the reports were not only inaccurate, but that no driver announcement would be made by the team at Spa.

"On the contrary," said the spokesman, "we will discuss and announce our 2016 driver line-up when the time is right."

While the idea of promoting the highly talented Vandoorne to a full-time race seat is hardly far-fetched, McLaren has yet to decide whether to exercise the option the team holds over Button's services for 2016.

There is also the case of reserve driver Kevin Magnussen, who may still be waiting in the wings for an opportunity to resume his career with the Woking squad. In any case, McLaren is spoilt for choice.

Click here for F1i's report on how each driver performed in the first ten races of the 2015 season

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.