No talks between McLaren and Alonso until mid-season point

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McLaren boss Zak Brown and Fernando Alonso likely won't sit down to discuss 2019 until the current F1 season reaches its mid-way point.

The Woking-based outfit's first races of the 2018 season haven't gone as well as expected, but Brown is hopeful of seeing the team's performance improve in the coming months, and keeping Alonso in the McLaren family for as long as possible.

"We want him to continue here for many years and we want him to continue at McLaren," the American executive told AS newspaper.

"Formula 1 is his passion, but he's been doing it a long time and he's achieved everything. So we'll see.

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"But he loves McLaren, the work we do, everything. I don't think he was this happy at another team.

"We'll sit down in the middle of the year and see. He will see how the car develops and the further improvements we are going to bring.

"I think Fernando's heart is in Formula 1 and at McLaren. He wants to win," Brown added.

McLaren has yet to sign up any of its drivers for 2019, with Stoffel Vandoorne under pressure for next year from young charger Lando Norris who is currently competing with Carlin in Formula 2.

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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.