Fernando Alonso has opened up on what he considers a “crucial” period for McLaren and why a lack of competitiveness in today’s F1 leaves him “sad”.
The former double world champion has often touted the Woking-based team’s “potential” in 2018, after making the switch from Honda to Renault engines, and his fifth place in the opening round in Australia backed it up, even if it was helped by external factors.
But Alonso is sure McLaren can close the gap to the leading trio at the front and maintains the same lofty expectations he set before the start of the season.
“The next two months are crucial for us. If it is not a world championship fight, it will hopefully be some podium positions,” he said.
“There is still a lot to improve to catch the top three teams, it’s quite a reasonable gap to close but it is up to us now.
“It is probably the first time in the last three years it is up to us – the car has the potential,” the 36-year-old added.
Later, the Spaniard was asked about the important meeting scheduled for Friday with F1 bosses set to unveil their vision for the sport from 2021.
New financial rules, including a budget cap, new-look cars and a second engine proposal is among the items believed to be included, and for Alonso, he hopes the eventually agreed changes will address one problem.
“I think it could be a closer battle [between all the teams],” he said. “That would always be welcomed, but it has always been like that in F1.
“If you see now other series, you watch a race of IndyCar with an unpredictable result until the last 10 laps, it makes you excited in front of the TV.
“Now we can put out the qualifying order for this race on the Thursday and that is a little bit sad.”
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The 17-year veteran of the grid has confidence though, backing the approach taken by the new owners and having trust in the people involved.
“Definitely Liberty [Media] has been quite open to us from day one and they have been asking us all last year about opinions and different ideas that we may have,” Alonso explained.
“They were very productive conversations, so I think now they have a plan. They will show tomorrow to the teams and we will agree whatever the decision is because they have all the power and all the knowledge of how to do things.
“Hopefully they bring new ideas and new things that can improve the show and that will be welcome from all of us.”