Alonso not surprised by McLaren’s 2018 performance

Fernando Alonso says he has not been surprised by McLaren’s performance through the first two races of the 2018 Formula 1 season, believing the team has made a “very good start” to the year.

Alonso finished fifth in Australia and seventh last time out in Bahrain, leaving him fourth in the drivers’ championship and the team third in the teams’ standings after the opening two rounds of the season.

McLaren had high hopes heading into the new campaign after splitting with former engine partner Honda after three difficult years in order to pick up a supply from Renault for 2018.

While the team has failed to bridge the gap to the ‘big three’ - Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull - at the front of the pack, Alonso says McLaren’s performance has been as expected as it fights towards the front of the close F1 midfield.

“Not really, we didn’t have any big surprises,” Alonso said. “We’re third in the constructors championship, fourth in the drivers championship - maybe not on performance.

“I don’t know exactly what the people were expecting, from one season to another, when the regulations stay the same, and there are three teams ahead of everyone last year. This year they keep ahead of everyone.

“Last year in three races, [we had] zero points. Bahrain last year, Stoffel [Vandoorne] didn’t make the start. On the grid, he was pulling the car into the pitlane. This year, two races, four cars to the chequered flag.

“As I said, look at the facts not the feelings or the wishes or the dreams. If we see the acts, this is a very good start.”

Alonso has also been impressed by McLaren’s level of reliability and operational performance, claiming the team is the only one yet to face any issues so far this season.

“We didn’t have any mechanical failures, we didn’t have any operational failures. I think we’re the only team now,” Alonso said.

“With pit stop problems for Ferrari and Haas, and Red Bull retirements, now there’s only one team remaining with no issues at all: that’s only McLaren,” Alonso said.

“Even Mercedes changed their gearbox a couple of times. This could change quite quickly, but so far, the start of the season is very positive.

“I understand the expectations are difficult to meet when we’re talking about McLaren and a championship fight.”