McLaren: No plans to use Alonso in future F1 tests

McLaren has no plans to use Fernando Alonso in F1 testing this season, with the Woking-based outfit relying in the future on Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris.

McLaren called upon Alonso's services in Bahrain earlier this year where the Spaniard handled tyre testing for Pirelli.

But despite Alonso's current availability, and his position as a McLaren ambassador, the British outfit has rejected the idea of giving F1 mileage to its former driver.

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"We have no plan to put Fernando back in the Formula 1 car at McLaren," said team principal Andreas Seidl.

"We are very happy with Lando and Carlos. They are doing a great job and they're the future for us - and that is also my focus.

"But he [Alonso] is still a member of McLaren, an ambassador for McLaren, and I think there will be a discussion in the future with potentially other racing projects."

A hint that Alonso was no longer in McLaren's F1 plans was provided earlier this week when the team struck a deal with Renault to nominate Sergey Sirotkin as its official reserve driver.

©McLaren

However, Seidl explained why the Russian's nomination made more sense than keeping Alonso in the wings.

"It is not possible for Fernando to be here at every race and be reserve driver," Seidl said.

"We work closely together in this partnership with Renault on the powertrain side, and Sergey will be at each track until the end of the season.

"So, it simply made sense to have this agreement and to share resources with Renault. And in the case of an emergency, straight away we have a reserve driver at the track.

"So that was the reason for this agreement."

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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.