McLaren could be set to finally announce its driver line-up on Friday – though Monday or Tuesday next week looks more likely – as the team is holding a board meeting on Thursday to decide Fernando Alonso’s team-mate for the 2015 season.
The team is split between Jenson Button and Kevin Magnussen. The former offers vast knowledge as the most experienced driver on the grid with 266 starts, something that may prove vital for the new Honda partnership.
However Magnussen, although his rookie season has been mixed with flashes of speed and silly mistakes, is seen as a long-term investment.
McLaren are therefore torn between the pair, though Ron Dennis recently hinted that junior driver Stoffel Vandoorne might even be in the running for the seat, therefore Alonso’s team-mate remains a complete mystery.
Magnussen is favourite to take the seat with Button being offered Gary Paffett’s former role as test and reserve driver, allowing him to focus on the World Endurance Championship, but it isn’t clear if the 2009 champion would accept such a ‘back-seat’ role.
Whilst a decision is expected today, it’s unlikely it will be made public immediately. However, the team are aware that delaying an announcement further will only anger fans, therefore it could be revealed as early as Friday, though insider sources suggest early next week is more likely.
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