Alonso: McLaren has improved but not enough for a comeback

Fernando Alonso believes McLaren has made a serious step forward compared to last year's car but said he would not be tempted out of retirement just yet.

The two-time champion retired from Formula 1 at the end of last season but rumours have been circulating that the Spaniard has his mind set on a comeback at some stage, depending on if McLaren can make a step up to championship-winning form.

After testing for the team in the post-race test in Bahrain, Alonso himself says the car has improved compared to the MCL33, the car he last drove in Abu Dhabi.

“Obviously it’s a step forward in every aspect of the car,” he told Formula1.com

“I think the car has more grip, the car is less draggy on the straights. The engine is a bigger step better as well. Overall, as a package, I think the car is in the right direction.

“I think this year there is a good baseline and good programme of development, and I think it’s going to be a much better season. I’m happy. Especially last year, it was a good start, but then we stopped the development probably in May or June, so that was painful until Abu Dhabi.

"I knew that it was my final season as well, so to run with the same car from Barcelona to Abu Dhabi was painful."

Alonso admitted that while the team had made improvements it wasn't enough to entice him out of his retirement just yet.

“If one day I come back in Formula 1 – which I doubt because my decision is firm to stop Formula 1 – it’s if I win a world championship. That possibility is tempting for any driver. But to finish seventh or sixth, or even fourth, it’s not tempting still.”