McLaren owners scrap team's 2019 IndyCar plans

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McLaren is apparently no longer planning to enter the IndyCar series in 2019 as the team focuses on rekindling its strength following its current management crisis.

The Woking-based outfit, which entered the Indy 500 with Fernando Alonso last year through a tie-up with Andretti Autosport, had been investigating the feasibility of running a full IndyCar schedule in 2019 in partnership with another team.

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However, according to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, McLaren shareholders Mansour Ojjeh and Sheikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa have put the plan on hold indefinitely as the team centers on stabilizing its F1 affairs.

McLaren boss Zak Brown says it is still possible however that Fernando Alonso will push to complete his 'triple crown' next year at the Indy 500.

"As for what Fernando does next year, there are several options," he said.

"He really wants to win the triple crown and we would like to do it with him. For now we are not discussing next year but everything is possible."

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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.