Norris, who will fulfil reserve driver duties for McLaren in F1 this year, won the European Formula 3 championship last year and will race in F2 for Carlin in 2018.

When asked if he was essentially waiting for Alonso to retire to move up into a race seat, Norris said: "Obviously from that, I would say so, but I couldn't really say what they are thinking.

"I guess you have to wait for what Fernando wants to do and I think they are happy with Stoffel [Vandoorne] and it is quite early in his career.

"Obviously he can develop a lot and definitely improve as a driver going into 2018.

"So it is a bit of it is waiting to see what they are going to do but I can't really say what else is going to happen - it is a bit hard for me."

Norris admitted he would have to look at opportunities elsewhere on the F1 grid if a vacancy at McLaren didn't come up, but he stressed his priority it to race for the British team.

"Obviously my aim is to be at McLaren," he said. "If I can't get a drive here, then I have to look at other opportunities.

"If they say 'We're not really going to have a drive [available] for three years or something, then it is obvious that I am going to have to go elsewhere.

"But if it is just one year, I think I'll still stick with McLaren and deal with one year out. The aim is to be with McLaren."