Alonso wants 'different situation' - Sainz

Carlos Sainz Snr says Fernando Alonso would like to be in a "different situation" as the McLaren star's Formula 1 future continues to be plunged into doubt. Although McLaren have enjoyed greater reliability and performance in 2018, Alonso's desire to be put back in the fight for podiums and race wins has gone unfulfilled.

A fifth-place finish at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix is Alonso's best result of the season with six races gone.

After that race in Melbourne, Alonso delivered a pointed message over team radio "now we can fight", having held off the Red Bull of Max Verstappen.

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However, the McLaren's one-lap pace has put Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne on the back foot in qualifying and the veteran's run of points finishes was stopped in Monaco by gearbox failure.

Alonso spent much of the Monte Carlo weekend talking up the Indianapolis 500 and his pursuit of the 'Triple Crown' will take in the Le Mans 24 Hours this year, with Sainz suggesting that F1 no longer fulfils his compatriot.

"He is in a period when he would like to be in a different situation," Sainz told EFE. "He wants to fight for podiums and wins.

"When you've won before, and in his case he has won two world championships and fought for others, if you are not fighting for podiums, races, championships, it is logical that you are not happy.

"And it's especially true if you are as experienced as he is and with the character that Fernando has.

"This year at McLaren the situation is a little bit better and let's hope it improves more, but it's true that maybe he and all of us who want the best for him were expecting something more."

Former F1 driver turned pundit Martin Brundle also spoke ominously of Alonso's future prospects in F1, having spoken to the Spaniard in Monaco.

"He gave me a distinct impression that he likely wouldn't be on the F1 grid next year," Brundle wrote for Sky Sports.