Lando Norris has admitted that Fernando Alonso plays a key role in when the British youngster can make his Formula 1 debut with McLaren.
In 2017, Norris won the highly competitive European Formula 3 series and will act as McLaren's reserve driver for 2018 whilst also racing in Formula 2 for Carlin.
"Obviously from that, I would say so, but I couldn't really say what they are thinking," said the 18-year-old when asked by Autosport if he was waiting for Alonso to retire before stepping up to a full-time race seat.
"I guess you have to wait for what Fernando wants to do and I think they are happy with Stoffel [Vandoorne] and it is quite early in his career. Obviously he can develop a lot and definitely improve as a driver going into 2018.
"So it is a bit of it is waiting to see what they are going to do but I can't really say what else is going to happen – it is a bit hard for me."
While Norris is aiming to win the Formula 2 championship this season, he admitted that in the event of a seat at McLaren not being available for some time that he would consider looking at other teams on the grid, although racing for the Woking-based team remains as his main priority.
"Obviously my aim is to be at McLaren. If I can't get a drive here, then I have to look at other opportunities," he said.
"If they say 'We're not really going to have a drive [available] for three years' or something, then it is obvious that I am going to have to go elsewhere.
"But if it is just one year, I think I'll still stick with McLaren and deal with one year out. The aim is to be with McLaren," he added.
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