Zak Brown rules out the possibility of having Fernando Alonso in the picture for a McLaren drive in the near future. The American believes Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz are the perfect blend the Woking-based team needs to carry on with its long-term plans and provided further details on Alonso’s contractual situation.

The Spaniard is present at Yas Marina in the role of McLaren ambassador, just before his contract with the outfit expires at the end of the year, as he specified. Brown shifted the focus to Alonso’s ambition of winning the Triple Crown, as McLaren could provide him with a seat in its IndyCar team for next year.

 “His contract with us is up at the end of the year, he is obviously preparing Dakar for next year. I’m very happy with our two drivers and I don’t foresee any changes there in the near future” he said.

“We’ve got an IndyCar team, he still has the desire to compete in the Indy 500. We’re reviewing other racing activities, so we haven’t really kicked off any conversations in earnest, but we will in the winter.”

Brown therefore suggested that a more defined display will be built over the winter, but was cautious over the chances of seeing Alonso on the grid (with McLaren) again, as both Sainz and Norris are part of McLaren’s long-term design.