McLaren have expressed an interest in re-hiring Fernando Alonso in the near future as speculation mounts that the team are doubting whether Sergio Perez was the right choice.
The Woking outfit has lost a string of high profile employees including Lewis Hamilton and Paddy Lowe – both of which joined Mercedes.
Along with a disappointing season, McLaren need to get back on track and reports in the paddock have revealed that they attempted to lure Alonso back despite a difficult season together in 2007.
Team principal Martin Whitmarsh admitted interest in the Spaniard.
“We are interested, but we have to be respectful of what is going on at Ferrari,” he said, adding: “Let’s see how it pans out.”
The Ferrari driver has however rejected the idea and, despite a minor falling out with his own team recently, he is keen to remain for “many more” years to come.
“It’s nice to hear comments from all the team principals every year saying they respect my job and personality, especially McLaren,” he said.
“There were so many rumours that we had a lot of problems that year [2007] but I always said that there are no problems with anyone, it was just the philosophy of the team, especially one man [Ron Dennis] in the team that is not there [anymore].
“It is good to have these comments but there is no intention. I have three more years with Ferrari and I hope many more to come if we can extend the contract and that would be my hope.”
