Dennis: ‘Alonso knew 2015 would be hard’

McLaren boss Ron Dennis has claimed that star driver Fernando Alonso knew that the 2015 season would be hard.

The Spaniard struggled throughout the campaign as the car lacked pace, and he was openly critical of the team as the season concluded.

There has been talk he could walk away from the team already, but Dennis is adamant he will fulfill his contract.

"Fernando's contract is of three years' duration - no performance clauses, no nothing,” he said.

"He always knew that 2015 would be a learning year. He knows equally well that, together with Honda, we'll make big improvements. So he joined us with open eyes.

"Together with the expertise and experience he's cultivated over the past 15 years spent racing in Formula 1, he still bristles with energy and enthusiasm.

"He's had better years than 2015, obviously; but he knows that great years lie ahead of him, with McLaren-Honda."

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