Alonso to hold McLaren ransom – report

Editor

McLaren are going to have to wait an 'excruciating period of time' until Fernando Alonso decides on his 2018 future, according to The Sun.

Now that McLaren have finally divorced Honda and switched to Renault power from next season onward, the Woking team are said to be confident about retaining Alonso's services beyond the end of the current season when his current deal expires.

However, The Sun believe Alonso is still in no rush to clarify his situation and will 'wind the clock down' in order to get himself the best financial deal.

The report read: 'Insiders fear that Alonso will wind the clock down in an attempt to get an even better deal from McLaren, featuring improved payments and less sponsorship commitments.

'The situation becomes increasingly more complicated as Alonso’s co-manager, former Renault chief, Flavio Briatore is overseeing the deal.'

Alonso himself has since stated that he will find out what Renault's ambitions are following the conclusion of the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend.

"After Singapore I will try to know a little bit more about the project, about the Renault engine and the expectations for next year," Alonso told Sky F1. "At the moment I don’t know anything.

“Once I have considered that I will make my decision."