F1 digest: no magic bullet for McLaren says Fernando Alonso

Fernando Alonso says there are new developments happening at McLaren but warns there is “no magic bullet” to bring overnight success to the team.

After four races of the 2018 Formula 1 season, McLaren are fourth in the constructors’ standings behind Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull. Alonso, a two-time F1 title winner, sits sixth in the driver standings on 26 points.

Ahead of this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix, the 36-year-old told PlanetF1.com that his home race will give McLaren the chance to “evaluate some new things”.

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He said: “I know we have some developments in the pipeline. But we also know there is no magic bullet that will propel us to the front of the grid overnight.

“There has been a lot of work happening at the factory and there is still a lot of work to do – so in Barcelona it’s a chance to evaluate some new things, see where we are, and determine the direction that we take with car development as we progress through the season.

“As always, and especially after the battle we fought in Baku, I’m really looking forward to pushing hard on track again this weekend in front of my home fans.”

Wolff expects tough Spanish GP

Mercedes chief Toto Wolff says that Sunday’s Spanish GP will be very challenging despite Lewis Hamilton’s victory last time out in Azerbaijan.

Speaking about the battle with title rivals Ferrari and Red Bull, Wolff told Fox Sports: “We’re hoping that this year’s Spanish GP will be a good race for us, but we know that it will be tough. The first four races indicate very strongly that we will see the three-way battle continue and, if anything, intensify.”

Sainz could stay at Renault

Carlos Sainz Jr could remain with Renault next season, F1Today reports. The Spaniard, who is 23, is on loan at Renault from Red Bull and could be called back next year. He said: “Renault has trusted me for a couple of years and want me to do the best. Being at Renault, a world champion team, is an honour and a privilege and a step I wanted to take for a long time. Everything is going well.”

Motorsport.com says Renault have opened talks with Sainz about a long-term deal.