Alonso talent is 'second to none' - McLaren

McLaren boss Zak Brown has insisted that Fernando Alonso has the ability to win his first world championship in over a decade in Formula One this season, but only if the constructor team can provide him with a car capable of competing too.

Alonso is considered to be one of the most talented drivers in the history of the sport, but has not added to his two world championship wins since the 2006 season with Renault.

The move to McLaren back in 2015 was meant to catapult him back into the title picture, but various engine reliability problems with Honda have seen the Woking-based outfit drop down the rankings in recent years.

Brown believes McLaren's fortunes will improve now that they have Renault engines instead of Honda, and thinks Alonso can win the title if the car is good enough.

“I think we’re going to be good. We’re going to be back towards the front of the field and hopefully fighting for podiums,” he told AS.

"As long as we can get a car that gives him a chance, I think as a driver he’s certainly as capable as anyone of winning the world championship. He’s driving as well as he’s ever driven.

“His talent is second to none in the car. But I think the real difference is [that] his preparation, dedication, passion and focus outside of the race car is unlike any other driver I’ve ever seen," he added.

“I was never around Michael Schumacher, but from what I hear, and how he carried himself, Michael had that level of dedication, and Ayrton Senna. Some other drivers can’t hold their focus and passion that long. And he’s very special in that manner.”

A couple of weeks ago Alonso competed at Daytona in preparation for his endurance racing debut at the Le Mans 24 Hours later this year.