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McLaren F1 team announced the driver line-up for the 2015 season on Thursday. After Fernando Alonso’s departure from Ferrari, a reunion was always on the cards. Despite rumours from various sources, it was never confirmed by either Alonso or McLaren.
But McLaren announced the pairing of Alonso and Button, much to the heartbreak of Kevin Magnussen. With Alonso as the favourite to lead the McLaren team, a fight was on between Button and Magnussen to secure the second seat.
McLaren took their time with the decision, but ultimately handed the seat to the veteran driver.
Fernando Alonso expressed his delight at his return to the team.
“I am joining this project with enormous enthusiasm and determination, knowing that it may require some time to achieve the results we are aiming for, which is no problem for me,” Alonso said. The Spaniard also spoke about former McLaren driver Ayrton Senna being the crucial factor that convinved him to join the team.
“I have never hidden my deep admiration for Ayrton Senna, my favourite driver, my idol on track, my reference. I still remember, as a kid, the posters in my wardrobe, my toy cars in which I dreamed I would one day emulate Ayrton, and the kart that my father built for my older sister, and that I ended up falling in love with. That kart had the livery of one of the most legendary partnerships in the history of Formula 1, McLaren-Honda, the car that Ayrton drove, the same partnership to which I am now honoured to join, to take part in the next Formula 1 world championship,” Alonso said.
Ron Dennis, CEO of McLaren was thrilled to get two experienced drivers on board.
“I am absolutely delighted to be on the threshold of leading McLaren-Honda to a new era of partnership, and I speak on behalf of all at McLaren when I say that. I am equally confident that our colleagues at Honda share that determination and passion to win,” Dennis said.
