Fernando Alonso wants McLaren Formula 1 future sorted by Austin

Alonso insists he still needs convincing about McLaren's potential, having secured a switch to Renault engines following its disastrous Honda spell.

Despite a visit to McLaren's factory last week, where Alonso was likely to have discussed his future, he says it will still take time before he is ready to commit to his 2018 plans.

When asked about a timeline for his decision, Alonso said: "Probably in the next break it will be good to make the final decision,"

"I think between Malaysia and Japan, we will be busy here working at the track.

"But definitely after Japan that will probably be my wish, my deadline, to make the decision happen - and choose whatever I feel is the best.

"I want to be competitive next year. I want to be back on the podiums. I want to be back in victory. I want to fight for the world championship, and I still need some more information to make this decision.

"But at the same time I remain optimistic, because McLaren is one of the best, or the best team in the history of the sport in F1. So I think we have everything to make it happen."

2018 chances

Although McLaren is convinced about its ability to improve next year with Renault supplying its engines, Alonso thinks nothing is guaranteed.

But he is aware that McLaren is well-placed to make a step forward next season.

"I think every team will have some doubts next year, because there are minimum changes of regulations," he said.

"But at the same time, I think the rate of development this year has been very high because of the new regulations, so there will be some extra development over the winter.

"You can also change something in the cars that you could not do in season, so there will be always a certain risk for everyone. But all those risks are a little bit less when you are in a big team.

"And as I said, McLaren has been dominating the sport for many years and in the worst years, even when they had some problems in 2009, 2011, when they had straight sidepods and things like that, they kept winning two or three grands prix a year.

"So, that is why McLaren is a big team."