Alonso ‘excited but apprehensive’ ahead of new season

McLaren’s Fernando Alonso has stated that he is “excited but apprehensive” ahead of the new Formula 1 season.

Alonso enters his fourth consecutive year with McLaren in 2018, despite the team struggling for performance during the past three seasons.

Engine supplier Honda was largely blamed for the shortcomings, reportedly being 150bhp down at times compared with rival manufacturers.

McLaren severed ties with Honda at the end of last season, switching instead to a Renault supply which propelled Red Bull to three race victories last year.

During the launch of the orange liveried MCL33 – McLaren’s new car for the 2018 season – Alonso stated; “Looking at our new car, I feel incredibly excited – but also apprehensive.

“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.”

Honda’s departure from McLaren for this season has coincided with Alonso joining fellow Japanese manufacturer Toyota in its World Endurance Championship team.

Alonso will dovetail his McLaren F1 commitments with a debut campaign in WEC, including the Le Mans 24 Hours in June.

The Spaniard has spent part of the winter preparing for sportscars, competing in the Daytona 24 Hours with United Autosports last month.

“My winter has felt somewhat shorter than usual, as I’ve already been in the cockpit for a 24-hour race, and several sports car tests,” Alonso added.

“That said, I’m really looking forward to getting behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car for the first time in three months.”