Alonso wants to be ’loyal’ to McLaren

Fernando Alonso says he wants to be "loyal" to McLaren as he weighs up his future in F1.

Boss Zak Brown said before departing Monza that he thinks it’s "likely" the Spaniard will sign a new deal for 2018, so long as McLaren dumps Honda and switches to Renault power.

Alonso told Spain’s Antena 3 broadcaster the day after the Italian grand prix: "McLaren is in a difficult situation because for three years it has been very uncompetitive.

"I think three years of not being competitive is the limit for a team like McLaren — one of the best in F1 history. Starting next year, I think it’s going to change.

"I don’t know what will happen, but I’m very optimistic.

"One option is to change the engine. I will wait for their decision before taking mine.

"I want to be loyal to the team as we have been through difficult times together. When they decide and they know the package they will have, I will make a decision," Alonso added.

The 35-year-old said he expects to know of McLaren’s decision "this week".

When pressed about his desire to remain ’loyal’ to McLaren, Alonso continued: "I’ll give them a chance. We have shared very hard times together.

"I feel part of the team and I think they deserve it."