Alonso: Nobody in F1 can guarantee anything

Fernando Alonso is adamant that no one can predict what will happen in Formula 1 next year, but is confident that with Honda a thing of the past and Renault power bolted on to the back of his McLaren anything is possible.

Speaking to Sky Sports Alonso said, "Nobody in F1 can guarantee anything. Not even Mercedes can know 100 percent they will be competitive."

But added, "We can see what Red Bull are doing with the Renault power unit. Maybe they are not the quickest, but they are fighting for podiums and victories. That will be a very good step if we can achieve that."

Before the start of the second McLaren-Honda era, Alonso was inspired by the partnership's legacy from the late eighties and early nineties. The prospect of similar success is what convinced him to return to Woking, but the immense promise turned into bitter disappointment.

He reflected, "When l joined the project, I joined firstly because it was because Honda coming in. Some of my inspiration to be a driver was when l was a kid watching television and Senna and Prost were driving the McLaren-Honda."

"It didn't work, the performance wasn't there and now we have split. I'm sad on one side and happy on the other because l think next year will be much better. This year has been a little bit better than the last two."

"I have that impression from the fans and the people who I met, they seemed to have enjoyed this year and that's because of Indianapolis. Those two weeks were definitely the highlight of the year, we were fighting for the front row of the grid, we were leading the race, we were competitive."

"[In Formula 1] it was a little bit frustrating. Too many retirements, too many painful moments - in Russia we didn't even start the race."

Looking ahead Alonso sees the positives, "The last few years have taught us a lot. Sometimes when you are winning too easily you then one day find yourself with competition and you make mistakes because you have forgotten how to fight and maximise the package. But if we produce a good car next year, the whole team is ready."

In 2018 McLaren will be powered by Renault for the first time in their history and hope they can return to the podium after an absence dating back to 2014. The team have not won since the Jenson Button triumphed at the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix.

Alonso has not won a Formula 1 since his victory at the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix, as a Ferrari driver, and was last on a grand prix podium 69 races ago also driving for the Italian team.

The Spaniard won his two F1 world championship titles, in 2005 and 2006, driving for Renault.