Alonso cleared to seek 2020 F1 deal by McLaren

Zak Brown says McLaren would be happy to let Fernando Alonso discuss terms with another Formula 1 team if he had the chance to return to the grid in 2020.

Alonso quit F1 at the end of 2018 to focus on securing the 'Triple Crown' but failure to qualify for the Indianapolis 500 leaves him forced to wait another year to secure the milestone.

Recent reports have suggested that Alonso had 'parted ways' with McLaren, but he remains an ambassador of the team, despite having no racing plans lined up.

Alonso has cryptically hinted at an F1 return ever since he walked away from the sport and Brown says McLaren would not stand in his way, having recently confirmed Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz will remain in the car next year..

"Fernando remains an ambassador at McLaren," Brown said. "We've got a great relationship with him and we're talking with him about some racing programmes in the future that are not Formula 1 related.

"But we're happy for him perhaps to get back into Formula 1.

"Because we don't have a seat available, if he wanted a move to another team we would very much support that – if that's what he wants to do."

Long-running links between Alonso and Red Bull have resurfaced recently, with Dr Helmut Marko claiming to have received word of the double world champion's availability.

Marko said Honda would not allow Alonso to drive for the team regardless and team principal Christian Horner poured more cold water on the suggestions.

"Our philosophy at Red Bull has always been to invest in young talent; the purpose of Toro Rosso is to ensure we have talent," Horner said.

"I think Pierre [Gasly] has had a tough first half of the year, but we know ultimately what he's capable of, which he hasn't really shown the full hand yet.

"I think that at times, with patience it will come. Formula 1 is an impatient sport, but our philosophy is to invest in youth and give young talent an opportunity and chance."

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