Fernando Alonso would be "very likely" to stay at McLaren next season if the Woking team can secure a supply of Renault engines for 2018, according to boss Zak Brown.
McLaren are currently in negotiation with the French manufacturer about a switch, and although Renault are keen for that to happen, it relies on a deal between Toro Rosso and Honda being struck, which would free up some of Renault's engine stock for McLaren.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Brown said a Renault deal would be enough to entice Alonso to stay around next year.
"I think it's very likely [that a Renault deal would convince him]," Brown said. "I seem to have a lot of breakfasts now with Fernando… he loves the team, he's passionate as ever to drive, he wants to be in Formula 1 and wants us to be more competitive."
However keeping the status quo with Honda wouldn't necessarily lead to Alonso's departure.
"With the stuff that we are seeing, that we're going to review further this week, I wouldn't say it's a forgone conclusion if we continue with Honda that he doesn't continue with us."
Meanwhile Red Bull's Christian Horner says they are open to a Toro Rosso-Honda deal, and admitted they wouldn't stand in the way of Renault doing a deal with McLaren, despite holding veto powers.
