Alonso: Mercedes “probably stronger than ever” after dominant F1 test
Fernando Alonso dismissed speculation about his future and credited Mercedes’ relentless pace and mileage in Barcelona testing, calling the reigning champions stronger than ever.
Fernando Alonso described Mercedes as “probably stronger than ever” after the team completed a mammoth 172 laps in pre-season testing at Barcelona, outpacing rivals and underlining its status as the team to beat in 2016.
The McLaren-Honda driver’s comments came as speculation about his own future swirled, with a British newspaper suggesting Alonso would use his first proper run in the new MP4-31 to decide whether to continue in Formula One. Alonso dismissed the claim, insisting he remains committed to his three-year contract and focused on helping McLaren recover from a difficult 2015.
Tuesday’s running in Barcelona saw Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg complete the equivalent of nearly three race distances without major issues, while the team also debuted a striking new bargeboard design that drew attention in the paddock. The reliability and pace on show from Mercedes left rivals, including Alonso, in little doubt about the reigning champion’s continuing dominance as the new season approached.
Alonso acknowledged McLaren-Honda’s improved position compared to last year but was clear that the team still faced a sizeable gap to the front. The Spaniard described the 2015 campaign as “embarrassing” and said that, although the new car is a step forward, the Honda engine remains short of the pace needed to challenge Mercedes or Ferrari for wins. He set a target for McLaren to have the best chassis by the time the European races arrive, but did not expect to fight for victories immediately.
Mercedes' relentless development draws attention
Mercedes’ approach in Barcelona contrasted with rivals who focused on shorter runs and incremental improvements. The team’s willingness to push for high mileage, coupled with new aerodynamic developments such as the unconventional bargeboard, signalled that the Brackley-based squad was not easing off despite two consecutive constructors’ titles. Nico Rosberg, who handled the bulk of the running, said the team had to keep innovating as Ferrari and others closed the gap.
Elsewhere in the pitlane, Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel said he was encouraged by the Scuderia’s progress, but even he admitted Mercedes’ performance remained the benchmark. The visible gap in both pace and reliability left little doubt about the pecking order heading into the final weeks before the season opener.
Alonso focused on McLaren’s recovery, not retirement
Alonso was quick to reject any suggestion that he might walk away from Formula One before the end of his contract. He told Spanish media that he was surprised by the British press report and reaffirmed his intention to stay with McLaren, emphasising his commitment to the team’s long-term project. The two-time world champion said he was not in the sport “just to travel around the world” but to compete for wins, even if that meant enduring another season in the midfield.
While McLaren has made progress, the team’s immediate prospects remain limited by the Honda power unit’s deficit. Alonso said the step forward from last year was clear, but the gap to Mercedes was still measured in seconds. He remains hopeful that further development could bring McLaren closer to the front as the season unfolds.
With Mercedes showing no sign of slowing, rivals will need more than incremental gains if they are to disrupt the current order in Formula One.
