Eric Boullier: 'McLaren want Fernando Alonso to stay'

McLaren boss Eric Boullier has said that he has no doubt about wanting Fernando Alonso to remain a part of the Honda-powered project.

While the future of Jenson Button is up in the air, Boullier told Spain's AS that Alonso should remain with the Anglo-Japanese team.

"I don't think Fernando is ready to retire," said the Frenchman. "I am sure that if he trusts the McLaren-Honda project he will end up champion again."

Alonso's current contract runs until the end of 2017, but Boullier said that he wants the 34-year-old to sign another one.

"Yes, of course," he insisted. "I really believe in the project and I see our progress.

"McLaren is ready, and as soon as we have the total package, we will be at the top. For sure. And I hope it's with Fernando, of course."

Alonso currently sits 14th in the driver standings after a 13th-place finish at Silverstone on Sunday.