Despite the disappointments that have faced both Fernando Alonso and the McLaren Honda Formula 1 Team in 2017, the relationship between driver and team is without tension, according to Zak Brown.
McLaren are the only team yet to break into the points, and have suffered a number of engine related problems, the last of which prevented Alonso from scoring points in the Canadian Grand Prix, which left the Spaniard frustrated, but McLaren Executive Director Brown understands and shares the same frustrations.
Brown has been openly critical of Honda in recent weeks, and rumours are growing that the team will switch to Mercedes power for 2018, but he insists that the team want Alonso to stay past the end of this season.
“I think Fernando loves the atmosphere here at McLaren, and I don’t think there’s another team that he would prefer to drive for more than us,” said Brown to Spanish newspaper AS. “But he wants to compete for the top positions, and I understand that.”
“There is zero tension between Fernando and McLaren. The relationship has never been healthier. He is frustrated, but we are together in our frustration.
“We have been clear that we want him to stay, and he was very clear when he said he wants to stay. But we need a better race car, and that is where all of our attention is.”
