McLaren's expectations for its first Formula 1 season working w꧑ith Renault in 2018 are greater than they were at any point wꦿhile working with Honda in the last three years, according to Fernando Alonso.

McLaren cut ties with engine partner Honda at the end of 2017 following three tough seasons that saw the much-fanfared partnership yield a finish of no𓂃 higher than sixth in the constructors' championship, coming to a close with the British team second from bottom in the teams' standin🉐gs last year.

McLaren struck a deal to work with French manufacturer Renault from 2018 in a bid to become more competitive and return to the front of the field,✱ with Alonso tipped to lead the team's charge.

"We're going to be much more competitive. I don't know hꩲow much," .

"Last year Red Bull looked like they were going to be strong due to the change in the rules, yet they had a slow start. [🌳Max] Verstappen was forced to retire from a few races, they had completed less laps than us halfway through the year.

"For the expectations on Red Bull, tꦫhat's a big blow. You always get asked if you are going to have a good car, but if you start badly, it's a huge comedown, so we ꦰcan't anticipate anything.

"What I can say is that expectations are higher now than they have been during the past three years. The atmosphere at the factory is more positive, and everyone is determined to go that extra bit further, because we all want to💃 be much more competitive - and I think we will be."

Alonso wil𝓰l get his first taste of the new McLaren-Renault MCL33 at the start of pre-season testing 𒐪in Barcelona, which kicks off on February 26.