Fernando Alonso says McLaren-Honda is getting “stronger and stronger” as the Formula 1 season develops, having made progress after initial struggles.
McLaren-Honda lacked reliability and performance during the early phases of the campaign, following the Japanese manufacturer’s decision to introduce a revised power unit concept.
Alonso scored points in Azerbaijan, while the introduction of Honda’s ‘Spec 3’ update enabled further progress to be made, with Alonso finishing in sixth in Hungary.
Alonso, while wary that this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix is unlikely to suit McLaren, is nonetheless confident that further gains will be made across the remaining rounds.
“It’s a great feeling to come back feeling rested, relaxed and recharged, and ready to go again for the second half of the season,” said Alonso.
“As the season goes on we’re getting stronger and stronger, and I hope the second half of the year will bring us some more points-earning finishes.
“This race is a difficult challenge for the whole team – the engineers and the mechanics – as you’re on the throttle for almost three-quarters of the lap, which makes it’s a tough circuit for both the car and the driver.
“We know we’ll have to work hard to get any kind of result there, but it’s a long lap and there are plenty of overtaking opportunities, so we’ll keep pushing to get everything we can from the weekend.”
McLaren holds ninth position in the Constructors’ Championship, ahead only of Sauber.
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