New driver has said that he accepts it may take a while for his new team to return to being winners again.
Alonso left this winter as he chases an elusive third world championship, but McLaren are said to be a few years away from winning as they start a new partnership with engine suppliers, Honda.
However, the Spaniard is convinced the move will be successful and is happy to wait.
He told reporters: “I am here to win, but not to win the first day. I am here to win in a long-term relationship.
“If we need to go through a period of learning, I am here for that and I am committed to working together.”
Alonso signed a firm three-year contract with the team, and will be joined by . With two experienced drivers behind the wheel, it is thought McLaren could start competing at the front in 2016.
With their partnership with Honda only just starting, they are 12 months behind the likes of Mercedes, Ferrari and Renault, who have been improving their engines for much longer.
Alonso is in his second spell with the team, after driving for them in .
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New McLaren driver Fernando Alonso has said that he accepts it may take a while for his new team to return to being winners again.
Alonso left Ferrari this winter as he chases an elusive third world championship, but McLaren are said to be a few years away from winning as they start a new partnership with engine suppliers, Honda.
However, the Spaniard is convinced the move will be successful and is happy to wait.
He told reporters: “I am here to win, but not to win the first day. I am here to win in a long-term relationship.
“If we need to go through a period of learning, I am here for that and I am committed to working together.”
Alonso signed a firm three-year contract with the team, and will be joined by Jenson Button. With two experienced drivers behind the wheel, it is thought McLaren could start competing at the front in 2016.
With their partnership with Honda only just starting, they are 12 months behind the likes of Mercedes, Ferrari and Renault, who have been improving their engines for much longer.
Alonso is in his second spell with the team, after driving for them in 2007.
Related topics