McLaren F1 boss Ron Dennis says team hasn't signed Fernando Alonso

Alonso is set to be replaced at Ferrari by Sebastian Vettel, and he is expected to conclude a deal with McLaren to lead it during its new Honda era.

But no contract is yet in place, and McLaren Group CEO Dennis made it clear at the Japanese Grand Prix that the team was not yet in a position to confirm its bid to lure Alonso has been successful.

"We do not have a contract with any driver at this moment in time. It isn't our priority," he said.

"Of course, we talk - of course we do all the things you expect us to do. But at this moment in time we have not got contracts that we have activated.

"It is not a great position to be in if you are either Jenson [Button] or Kevin [Magnussen], but the reality is they understand.

"The key thing for them is that our priority is to produce a winning car with which they can win."

McLaren is understood to have an option on Magnussen for next year, while Button is totally out of contract.

But until McLaren is clear on what Alonso will do in 2015, it is keeping its options open - which means both its current drivers face an anxious wait.

Button has made clear that he would like to remain at McLaren next year, with his F1 career hanging in the balance if the Woking outfit chooses Alonso and Magnussen.

"My aim is to be racing here next year," Button said. "I've spent five years with this team.

"I've been through some very good times and the last couple of years have been difficult, but we have worked hard and I would really like to see all that hard work come to something in the future."