Fernando Alonso says he is apprehensive about McLaren’s chances in 2018, despite being exc💮ited by the team’s new Formul🉐a 1 challenger. 

After a disastrous three-year spell with Honda, McLaren pulled the plug on its engine deal with the Japanese manufacturer in favour of a switch to Renault for 2018. The Woking-based squad is aiming to move back up the grid this season, having endured a barren winless run stretching back to the 2012 Brazඣilian Grand Prix. 

The Renault tie-up appears to have been a key factor in Alonso remaining with the Br♚itish squad, despite suffering its worst-ever finish in the constructors’ championship. Alonso is hoping McLaren has been able to combine the strengths of its 2017 car - which he consistently labeled as boasting the best chassis on the grid - and an improved power unit. 

“Looking at our new car, I feel incredibly excited – but 🧜also apprehensive,” Alonso said. “I know just how important this car is to the team, and I just hope that it delivers in the way we all want it to🐭.

“If we’re able to develop the key strengths of last year’s chassis and marry it to an improved Renault power unit, then I think we’ll be able to take a step forwards. The car certainly looks very neat and well thought-out, and I think the new colour looks really great;⛎ really🍌 eye-catching. 

The Spaniard, who will als🐽o contest the 2018/2019 World Endurance Cha🌸mpionship ‘superseason’ with Toyota - which includes a debut appearance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans - says he cannot wait to get behind the wheel of the MCL33. 

“My winter has fel♒t somewhat shorter than usual, as I’ve alreaಞdy been in the cockpit for a 24-hour race [Daytona 24 Hours], and several sports car tests! That said, I’m really looking forward to getting behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car for the first time in three months. I just want to get behind the wheel now!”