McLaren have had to become a little active in the driver market, ever since Fernando Alonso announced that he would be leaving the sport at the end of the season.
While the emotional goodbye did last for a day or two, McLaren quickly got back to business, signing up Carlos Sainz as Alonso’s replacement.
Sainz was linked with a Red Bull seat as he was under Red Bull contract until September, but it seems like Red Bull had already communicated to him that they were looking elsewhere.
Now, with one driver already finalised for next season, McLaren would want their business to get done with as quickly as they can, as all midfield teams are looking to complete their lineup for 2019 as soon as possible.
McLaren do have a few options in the bag, with Vandoorne and Norris being the ones that are already involved with the team.
Now, according to journalist, Jennie Gow, Zak Brown has confirmed that McLaren are currently looking at a consideration se that comprises of 4 drivers, all fighting for that one vacant seat.
McLaren boss @ZBrownCEO tells me 4 drivers are in the mix for a seat there next year. Vandoorne, Norris, Perez & Ocon. #F1
— Jennie Gow (@JennieGow) August 31, 2018
Vandoorne, Norris, Ocon and Perez are the four drivers in contention to partner Sainz next season.
Vandoorne has had a forgetful season until now, but would be hoping that strong performances in the next few races can help him land a seat for at least an extra year. Norris is breathing down his throat and could get the nod, if the McLaren management decide that he is good enough to make that jump to F1.
Ocon and Perez are the two ‘outside’ options that are being made. Perez’s Force India future has been in doubt ever since he initiated legal action against the team, leading them into administration. Few sources believe that his well thought out move could help him retain his spot, while others have reported that he is on his way to either Haas or McLaren.
As far as Ocon is concerned, his Force India future is well and truly over and he is looking for any gateway that he can find. A move to McLaren could be a dream come true for the young driver, but at the moment, the other three drivers have a better chance of landing that seat.
