McLaren CEO Zak Brown has admitted that through open discussions with the outgoing Fernando Alonso, plans could be made in preparation for a possible departure.
Alonso revealed on Tuesday he would be leaving Formula 1 at the end of 2018 after a 17-year career in the series, looking to make a change for the future.
With the driver market becoming ever more convoluted through the shock decision of Daniel Ricciardo heading to Renault for 2019 and now Alonso's exit, it leaves Brown with numerous options to fill the void left by the Spaniard.
McLaren junior Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz Jr among others are linked to McLaren, even four-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon was linked with a switch to F1 before resigning with Chip Ganassi Racing.
"There is a time for everyone to make a change and Fernando has decided the end of this season to be his," said Brown."We respect his decision, even if we believe he is in the finest form of his career.
"Our open dialogue with Fernando has meant we could plan for this eventuality.
"While evaluating his future during the past months, Fernando’s competitiveness has been undimmed. He has continued to perform at the highest level throughout, as we know he will do in the remaining nine races of this year’s championship.
“Fernando is not only an outstanding ambassador for McLaren but also for Formula 1.
"His 17 years in the sport, as arguably the pre-eminent driver of his generation and undoubtedly an F1 great, have added another layer to Formula 1’s rich history.
“I know that the entire team joins me in paying tribute to Fernando’s enormous contribution to McLaren; he is a legend both for the championship and for the team.
"Fernando is an important part of our story and will join an illustrious line of McLaren drivers," he added
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