McLaren have not begun discussions around its 2017 driver line-up yet as racing director Eric Boullier believes it would provide an unnecessary distraction from the teams current goal of improving the car and delivering better results.
When talks do begin, the team may find itself in a predicament as not only does it currently employ two world champions in Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button, but a highly sought after young driver in Stoffel Vandoorne as well, who will likely be of interest to rival teams if McLaren fail to promote him.
Although Dennis insists Vandoorne isn't for sale and says the Belgian will get his chance soon, it isn't clear whether that will be next season or whether it will even be at McLaren.
Meanwhile Button is believed to have opened early dialogue with Williams for a possible return to replace either Felipe Massa or Valtteri Bottas, should McLaren favour Vandoorne as Alonso's partner in 2017.
Boullier however insists it is too early to begin such talks and has therefore told the drivers nothing of McLaren's plans.
"No, absolutely nothing," he is quoted by ESPN. "We have not started discussing anything with any drivers. It's too early in the season so it would be too distracting for the team."
When asked if delaying the talks helped to keep his drivers on their toes, he replied: "Exactly. It's part of the game."
