Fernando Alonso thought McLaren might grab Monaco GP podium

The Spaniard finished fifth in Monte Carlo, having gained ground with well-timed tyre changes in the changing conditions.

"At one point I thought a podium might be possible," said Alonso, who held off championship leader Nico Rosberg's Mercedes for much of the race.

"After the pitstop I was P5 with 50 laps to go.

"In tricky conditions, if I keep it on the track it's possible. I did think about it for a second."

Although fifth proved to be Alonso and McLaren-Honda's limit, he feels the result bodes well.

"We are progressing well, it's obvious from the results, we're going in the right direction," he said.

"We want to be at the front, fighting for podiums but at the moment, there's still a way to go.

"Overall it was a tough race, but we got the result, both cars in the points, we have to be happy.

"When you execute a race as difficult as this, it's a good feeling - it was tough in terms of driving and concentration."

BUTTON WANTED BETTER COMMUNICATION

Jenson Button finished ninth, and believes better communication on strategy calls was required.

Button was particularly disappointed that the team did not tell him his desired time to pit would result in him being stuck behind the Manor of Pascal Wehrlein.

"In terms of communication between the team and myself it wasn't good enough really," said Button.

"If I knew I had Manors, which you can't overtake around here, I'd probably not have pitted.

"I think they expected [Wehrlein] to pit, but it didn't work out.

"In terms of tyre performance it was the right call, but not in terms of traffic.

"We've scored good points [12], we wouldn't have got that many if it had stayed dry.

"I race for the team and myself - it's a great result for the team as a whole.

"These points aren't because we were competitive but because we made good calls."