Norris: Alonso input in 2019 would be 'very valuable'

Lando Norris has welcomed the prospect of Fernando Alonso helping McLaren with the development of its 2019 Formula 1 car given his experience as he steps up as a rookie next season.

McLaren shapes up for next year with an all-new driver line-up with Norris promoted from his reserve and test role to an F1 race seat along with Carlos Sainz Jr switching from Renault.

While Vandoorne leaves the McLaren fold heading to Formula E with the Mercedes-backed HWA squad, Alonso will remain involved with the Woking-based squad through his Indianapolis 500 entry as McLaren Racing in 2019.

McLaren chief Zak Brown was also open to the idea of Alonso playing a role in the development and testing of the team’s 2019 F1 challenger, while the Spanish driver says he could never fully close the door on the sport. 

Norris has also backed the idea of Alonso's input given the experience and advice the two-time F1 world champion could provide.

“I think it’ll be very valuable,” Norris said. “He’s obviously got the best idea of how the car has changed over the years, the best experience of what’s good and what’s bad – a lot more than I do.

“Obviously, I don’t know what’s going to happen, if he’s still going to be part of McLaren, he still is part of McLaren, I guess a lot is up to him.

“Of course, I would like to have as many days as possible but if everyone comes to a decision and thinks it’s for the good of the whole team and his feedback would be just as important as mine or Carlos’ then I think it’s a good thing.

“But I think there’s a long way to go until we see what he wants to do and if he wants to get in an F1 car again.”

Alonso has continually hinted at further 2019 racing plans which are set to be announced alongside his current Indy 500 commitment with McLaren and the final three rounds of the 2018/19 World Endurance Championship with Toyota.