Alonso: The only team that can beat Mercedes in the future is McLaren

Fernando Alonso is adamant that the only team which will be able to challenge Mercedes' domination of Formula 1 in the future is the McLaren-Honda team.

"Despite the lack of results this year I really think the only team that can beat Mercedes in the future is ours, and no team will beat them in the short term," said the Spaniard ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix who also admitted his motivation is not high at present.

He told the Spanish-language Fox outlet that, on a scale of one to ten, his motivation is currently about "two" and added "But after Abu Dhabi, it will be eleven."

Indeed, McLaren-Honda does appear to have made some progress recently, with a new engine specification laying the foundation for a step forward in 2016.

Countering recent speculation, Alonso insists he remains committed to the project and told El Mundo Deportivo, "It's a new project and one for the future."

The biggest problem with the current package has been identified as Honda's energy-recovery systems, leaving the drivers sometimes 160 horse power down on the straights.

"It's just we need to copy the direction everyone has apart from us," explained Alonso.

He has spoken of catching up 2.5 seconds per lap over the winter, but also acknowledged that "In formula one there is no magic".

"Being out in Q1 one year and the next fighting for the championship is a very, very optimistic target but we will try our best," said Alonso.