Vasseur: Aim is to beat McLaren and Renault in title race

For this year, the Ferrari-linked former Sauber team made a bold step forward by signing up Kimi Raikkonen.

Vasseur told Auto Hebdo that he is happy with the results, "Last year, we were behind in pure performance by 2.6 per cent. Now it's 1.6 per cent. That proves that we made the right decisions.

"The midfield is very competitive this season. But we have been in Q3 with at least one car in each of the last six races, which is a good sign that we are doing well," the Frenchman added.

However, Alfa Romeo is just eighth in the constructors' championship. Nonetheless, Vasseur confirmed that his team is targeting McLaren's fourth place.

"Yes, them and Renault," he said. "Next year we will build on this year's car. If we finish strong in 2019, we will be well on the way to a great season next year."