McLaren continue to sacrifice Friday practice sessions to develop 2019 car

Fernando Alonso has confirmed McLaren use Friday practice sessions to focus on aerodynamic tests for 2019, rather than weekend preparation. The team were running well at the start of the season, but performances soon dropped at a rapid rate.

The double world champion believes the sacrifice will be worth it. They've seemingly lost out in the battle for fourth place this year as they look to press the refresh button in 2019.

“We are working very hard and very deep into the weakness of the car,” Alonso told Formula 1 website.

“Now we are at the point that we know exactly what to do. There are some fixes for this year but let’s say that 70% of the knowledge and the understanding of the car will be for next year’s project because it requires time - three or four months development and wind tunnel time etc - that is probably better to invest for next year."

Alonso hasn't confirmed if he will race for McLaren next season but admits the problem identification gives him expectations of a brighter future.

“Sometimes it’s good to go very deep into the problems and down in performance to understand the car. So I see a much clearer and brighter future now with all the problems and all the understanding now," Alonso added.

Most recently, the Spaniard made it into the top 10 after a positive Hungarian Grand Prix.