McLaren supremo Ron Dennis has suggested that Fernando Alonso could take a year out of Formula 1 in 2016.
The Spaniard has been very vocal in his criticism of the 2015 car and the performance of the Honda engine, with the Woking-based outfit well off the pace of the leaders.
However, Dennis has hinted that Alonso could miss next season and return to McLaren in 2017, when new regulations could give the team the chance to move up the grid.
He told reporters: "I have an open mind to anything. Some of the ideas have involved those sorts of considerations - sabbatical years.
"We have a great number of driver options. We have two of the best drivers in the world in our cars. When we have to take the decision, we will take it together and at this moment in time our drivers of next year are Fernando and Jenson Button."
Stoffel Vandoorne is thought to be the likeliest replacement for Alonso, should the two-time world champion sit out 2016.
Chris O'Keefe
