Alonso: McLaren now ready to attack next year

The Spaniard, who has yet to finish on the podium since rejoining the Woking-based outfit at the start of 2015, believes that the overhaul of the McLaren team that has been overseen by racing director Eric Boullier has put the team in a good place to make a good step next season.

"The whole change for next year will mix the cars a little bit and some of the information that we have with this year's car will not be useful any more for next year because it changes everything," said Alonso.

"What I am happy with is with the way the team is now settled, with a structure that we have and with an organisation that we have.

"Honda and McLaren now are much closer than ever in the last two years, with Honda [making] progress as well, because last year we have a lot of difficulties.

"For this year we know that improving the engine was not too difficult, because it was in a very low performance base, but I think for next year I think the step will be even bigger because the organisation now changes a lot.

"We have a lot more people, we have a lot more resources, and we have a lot more ideas. So we know everything. I see now much more logic, let's say, for next year and much more positive feelings.

"So even if the regulations change a lot and if the information we get this year is not maybe useful any more, the team is now well prepared to attack next year's regulations and next year's challenge with a lot of confidence because the team grew up a lot in the last 15/16 months."

Alonso's faith in the organisation has been echoed by Jenson Button, who thinks that the restructure of the aerodynamic department since the arrival of Peter Prodromou is now really paying dividends.

"A lot has changed in the aerodynamic department, with Prod in charge now it is very good in terms of direction," said the Briton.

"But it takes time. It is a very different philosophy. I know we always use that word, but in terms of the aerodynamics and the type of car that we have, how we use the airflow and which part of the car – whether it is dirty downforce or downforce you can use at every part of the corner – I think we have a good plan for the future. It just takes time to get that working.

"It is like Red Bull. They have been in the same direction for so many years with their car, with a massively high rear ride height rake and the way they use the airflow around the car.

"For us, it just takes a long time to get it in a place we are happy with. But they are going in the right direction – and listening to the drivers is also important for the final details. So behind the scenes there has definitely been an improvement, and on the Honda side I think in terms of their leadership it is very good.

"The way they interact with McLaren is also very good, and also the improvement they have made since last year. We are obviously down a long way on Mercedes in terms of out and out ICE power, they know that – reliability has got a lot better this year. We can be more aggressive with the engine."

He added: "Honda have done a really good job this year. It is always difficult to see when you are just inside the points, but there is good progress being made, and good foundations for next year.

"There is good confidence within the team, especially on the Honda side. Initially when they came in and they have failures it hurts confidence, especially when you are Japanese and very passionate about motor racing. So I think it hurt a lot, but they have gained a lot of strength over the last year and a half."