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Fernando Alonso has said a return to the podium this season is unlikely.
Earlier this week former McLaren team coordinator said that he expected the team to be fighting for podiums by now but two-time champion Alonso has said that that is not a possibility right now.
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"Under normal circumstances, we do not deserve the podium yet," he told Cadena Cope radio. "Hopefully we will improve for next year, but this is formula one and anything can happen."
Alonso says that, depsite recent talk of his diminishing motivation to be in Formula One, McLaren's ability to win races next season will not be a factor in his decision to stay or go.
"My continuity in F1 will not depend on the performance of the car," he insisted. "The last two years have been difficult but I'm enjoying myself a lot. And if next year's cars are as fun as they were in the past, it will be no problem to continue.
"The cars we have now are slower than before and give different feelings that go against the instinct of the driver. So my continuity will depend more on the rules next year," Alonso added. "If it is still about saving (tyres and fuel), then I will have to think"
Alonso re-joined McLaren at the start of last year from Ferrari but has so far struggled at the British team. Ferrari are going through a rough patch of their own a the moment but Alonso insists he wants nothing but the best for his former team.
"Racing for Ferrari and for everybody involved in that team is a dream," he said, "so I do not wish him (Vettel) or anyone any harm.
"Last year they started strong and this year they have taken a small step back," he added.
He also spoke of his admiration for compatriot Carlos Sainz, who has impressed for Toro Rosso this year..
"The driver change has been fantastic for him," said Alonso. "(Max) Verstappen is proving to be very fast, so because they were evenly matched that is good for Carlos.
"Now that (Daniil) Kvyat is behind him that is only good news," he added.
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