Alonso defends Vandoorne amid Sauber rumour
Fernando Alonso has leapt to the defence of his teammate Stoffel Vandoorne.
It is believed McLaren is considering ousting the struggling Belgian in favour of young charger Lando Norris.
And Auto Motor und Sport reports that a representative of Vandoorne's management team was spotted in the Sauber motor home at Hockenheim.
The Swiss team is having a surprisingly good 2018 season, with Sauber boss Frederic Vasseur declaring: "We are now interesting for drivers who didn't think of us before."
But Spaniard Alonso says Vandoorne is still doing a good job for McLaren.
He said at Hockenheim that something is wrong with Vandoorne's car lately, adding: "If you look at my previous teammates, they were much further away than Stoffel is.
"In 2014, Kimi was six or seven tenths away in each race," Alonso said. "Now it's less.
"There's nothing to criticise him (Vandoorne) for. Because of his track record, people should give him time, or remember the results of qualifying from last year or before Silverstone."
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Sad as it may be SVD has been totally outgunned and has already had two seasons to deliver in equal machinery. Hence it is only right that Mclaren considers it's options including the F1 possibility of the FerLando effect which might be a real tonic.and a powerful marketing draw in having one of Britain's next generation of F1 heroes mentored by an old master and true great. They have raced together in endurance and it would be good for the sport. With Gil De Feran at the wheel and provided Mclaren solve its power-engine/performance woes then bring it on... Also can Mclaren revert to its iconic red and white colours surely worth a tenth per lap.