McLaren are reportedly chasing the ultimate driver line-up for 2015 and beyond, with team bosses set to launch a final attempt to lure both Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso.
It’s well known that McLaren have already held talks with Alonso in the hope of getting the Spaniard back following their 2007 falling out, but Autosport reports the team are also seeking the services of four-time champion Vettel.
The team want a ‘star-studded’ line-up for their return to Honda power and both Eric Boullier and Ron Dennis are involved in negotiations with the two champions.
Whilst Vettel is committed to Red Bull until the end of 2015 and Alonso a year longer at Ferrari, McLaren are willing to wait, but want assurances that the two, or at least one of them, will commit to joining the Woking outfit when their deal expires.
The hope is that they can secure at least one earlier, but that would require negotiations with not only the driver but also the team.
A decision is expected prior to the Singapore Grand Prix and McLaren are keen to secure the team’s future as swiftly as possible as it currently leaves both Jenson Button and Kevin Magnussen in limbo with their own futures.
Speaking to the official F1 website, Dennis hinted that contracts may prove a problem and insists he is happy with their current line-up regardless of what’s happening behind the scenes.
“As I say, we’ll always look to employ the best drivers available – but they have to be available, don’t they?
“Having said that, for the avoidance of doubt, Jenson and Kevin represent an excellent blend of capable experience and youthful promise, and we’re very happy with both of them.
“The fact that we’re keeping an eye on what a few other drivers are up to in no way contradicts that, because, as I say, if opportunities arise, we’ll appraise them – we always have and we always will.”
