McLaren shareholders to Brown: 'Do whatever it takes to win!'

©WRI2

40

McLaren's shareholders have thrown their full weight behind team boss Zak Brown's plan to bring the Woking-based outfit back in to the winner's circle.

Mohamed bin Isa Al Khalifa and Mansour Ojjeh, principal shareholders of the McLaren Technology Group, fully supported Brown's initiative to prematurely dissolve its partnership with Honda and contract with Renault from 2018.

The painful split came at a hefty cost for McLaren but with no other choice, its shareholders complied.

Brown is now focusing his efforts on retaining Fernando Alonso for 2018. The Spanish driver's massive retainer was viewed as a potential stumper in the negotiations between the two parties, especially in light of Honda's departure which will lead to a $100 million sponsorship shortfall.

But once again, the American executive manager of McLaren is backed by the shareholders.

"We are close to a contract extension with Fernando," Brown said, speaking after a key dinner meeting with Alonso in Singapore.

"We have a plan B, but I'm confident it will work out with Fernando."

Alonso could compete for Toyota at Le Mans in 2018

Plan B is believed to include a return to active duty of Jenson Button, but that appears as a very remote possibility right now.

"Fernando is one of the best paid drivers in the sport, and for us to retain him he will continue to be one of the best paid drivers in the sport," Brown added.

"We have very committed shareholders who have told us to do whatever it takes to win," he added.

McLaren race director Eric Boullier confirmed that Alonso's contract extension talks were moving in the right direction.

"It's good to know that next year we are going to have a more competitive car -- or we hope so," said Boullier.

" But we have a good base now and all the tools to fight the other teams.

"Now we must focus on closing the deal with Fernando. We are very close to finalising it. We have already agreed the most important points in terms of years and money.

"It is just a matter of details," Boullier added.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.