Alonso signs McLaren extension for 2018

Fernando Alonso will remain at McLaren in 2018 after signing a contract extension for next season.

The Spaniard was out of contract at the end of the year and said he would wait for McLaren to sort its future engine supplier before deciding where he would drive next season. With McLaren dropping Honda in favor of Renault power units in 2018, Alonso has now signed a what is being described as a "multi-year" extension to remain with the team.

"It's fantastic to be able to continue my relationship with everybody at McLaren," Alonso said. "It was always where my heart was telling me to stay, and I really feel at home here. This is a fantastic team, full of incredible people, with a warmth and friendliness that I've never experienced elsewhere in Formula 1. I'm incredibly happy to be racing here.

"Just as important, McLaren has the technical resource and financial strength to be able to very quickly win races and world championships in F1. Although the last few years have not been easy, we have never forgotten how to win, and I believe we can achieve that again soon.

"The last three years have given us the momentum to plan and build for the future, and I'm looking forward to that journey. I'm excited for our future together – and I'm already working hard to make it a success."

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Executive director Zak Brown added that Alonso's decision to stay at McLaren is a sign of his confidence in the team's ability to recover from three difficult years in partnership with Honda.

"I'm delighted to be able to confirm that Fernando will remain at McLaren," Brown said. "He has been a fantastic asset to the whole organization for the past three years, is an incredible individual and is one of the most accomplished and talented racing drivers of the modern era. It always made sense for us to continue our journey together.

"His commitment will allow us to further improve the attractiveness and potential of the wider Group, and will ensure we head into 2018 feeling increasingly confident that we'll be able to take a meaningful step forward. Fernando fully understands and buys in to the direction we are taking.

"Our shareholders have ambitious plans for the whole Group, and success within Formula 1 is a central pillar of that strategy. With Fernando, there is no doubt that we have a driver who can help us achieve our goal of winning again in F1 – and, believe me, we are all keen to do that."