Honda now getting more creative with F1 engine, Alonso feels

After a tough return to F1 with McLaren last year, Honda has made great strides this term but remains behind Mercedes, Ferrari and Renault on power.

Alonso to race new Honda power unit at Suzuka

McLaren's working relationship with Honda has improved drastically, while the updates the Japanese manufacturer has brought to tracks have delivered and been reliable.

While Alonso conceded there has been frustration at times because of Honda's methods, he suggested it is growing in confidence, which in turns allows it to be less conservative.

"They have been following their programme," said Alonso.

"Sometimes for us it's frustrating as we want everything now but there is no magic solution in F1, everything requires some time.

"But they are doing a good job, they are doing the maximum.

"Now the results are coming and I think they are a little bit more contemplative.

"They are starting to be more creative in terms of design and progress."

McLaren, sixth in the constructors' championship, is now a regular challenger for Q3 spots and the lower end of the points.

While Alonso takes heart from that, he said that does not automatically mean the team will be more competitive next year.

"We are happy with the progress we have made this year and we're able to fight with some competitive teams like Force India and Williams, who are behind the top teams," he said.

"A big step has been done from last year to this year but we need another bigger step for next year which is going from the last Q3 spots and some points to podiums and wins.

"It is still possible. We have the potential, the facilities and talented people.

"It's a question of time we will be able to win. We are trying to make it as short as possible so we'll see."

Alonso has made up 29 places on the opening lap in the last five grands prix.

When asked to explain how he has been able to do that, Alonso said: "It's a bit of everything probably, a bit of luck as well.

"It's probably doing a lot of Playstation also, starting last! A lot of practice!"