Finally, the driver line up the world of Formula 1 has been waiting for, for what seems like months. It can now be confirmed that Fernando Alonso has returned to McLaren to continue his mission to win a third world title. Jenson Button has been given the nod to continue for another year, while Kevin Magnussen is retained as reserve driver.
It seems like Alonso is on a two year contract with optional clauses to get out if performance is poor, while Button is on a one year contract. I'm quite excited by this line up, I think Button will be able to hassle Alonso far more than Kimi has done this year, but it is going to be very tough for the Briton.
This year, Alonso has almost single handedly kept Ferrari ahead in the constructors championship. He's still driving better than ever. Button really stepped up when he was partnered against Lewis Hamilton, I expect exactly the same scenario here as they make the oldest line up in Formula 1.
Fernando has arrived on a big money deal, but I doubt they'll have retained Button if he was expecting to be given preferential treatment, so I expect them to be treated equally. That in itself could cause tension if Button is giving him a hard time.
Equally Fernando's relationship with McLaren Group CEO Ron Dennis will come under scrutiny after Alonso's acrimonious departure from the team in 2007. After Button's long wait to be announced as 2015 race driver and the fact Dennis favoured Magnussen, I'm not sure either driver has the best relationship with the teams head. Interesting year ahead at McLaren as they also come to grips with dealing with new partner McLaren and integrating their new power unit.
Magnussen's position as reserve driver means he'll be looking to get back in the race seat by 2016, meaning if Button wants an extension of more than one year he's going to have to be on it. That's not even thinking about McLaren young driver Stoffel Vandoorne, currently plying his trade in GP2.
all photos taken from autosport.com
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