F1: 3 people McLaren is depending on in 2019 

#1 Fernando Alonso

Alonso and McLaren will be closely intertwined in the immediate future

Fernando Alonso jumped into an F1 car the very next day after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2018.

This was for a car swap with seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson at the Bahrain International Circuit.

He indicated that he is very open to playing a hands-on approach in 2019 by testing for McLaren despite opting to not compete in the season.

His inputs will be crucial and will also keep the new drivers Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris honest.

To word it correctly, 'he has not retired' and now has more time on his hands to prepare for the races that he really wants to win - Indy Car, Dakar and Daytona.

For all the narrative of him bringing politics to the teams, he still is seen as the gold standard and very much welcomed by McLaren team and boss Zac Brown

“These F1 world champions, whether it’s Michael Schumacher or Mika Hakkinen, who came close to a comeback, don’t want to be too far from the F1 pit lane. There’s a lot he can contribute experience-wise. Carlos and Lando are open to any ideas that will bring us experience. Fernando knows the team very well, Lando doesn’t have that experience, and Carlos doesn’t have that experience with us. I’ll go to Daytona for Fernando’s Daytona testing and we’re going to chat to him further then."