‘Alonso may never win another race’

Fernando Alonso's former team-mate Jarno Trulli fears the Spaniard's days of spraying the victory champagne could be over.

Alonso swapped from Ferrari to McLaren in the off-season as the double World Champion had grown frustrated after five years without a World title.

However, whether he'll ever win one – or even a grand prix – with McLaren is something Trulli doubts.

"I wonder if he might win another race or championship," the Italian, who partnered Alonso at Renault, told the BBC.

"McLaren won't get on top of the problems quickly and won't easily catch up with the teams in front next year."

And although Alonso is expecting a "huge step forward" from McLaren-Honda at this weekend's Spanish GP, Trulli has warned that those ahead won't be resting on their laurels.

"The teams in front, they are not sleeping or waiting – they will carry on working and developing," he stated.

"It might be different if there is a big regulation change or like Ferrari did. They turned their situation around in a great way, I never would have imagined that.

"Anything can happen, but I am concerned. Fernando's situation is not ideal to win. I hope I am wrong.

"McLaren is a good team but they are fighting with Ferrari and Mercedes, who are manufacturers, and that makes a big difference."