McLaren boss Zak Brown says Fernando Alonso is "buzzing" ahead of the 2017 F1 season and he believes the Spania𝔍rd is still very much the "best driver in the worl🌜d, period".

Alonso has spent the last two seasons since re-joining McLaren battling for points and hasn't stood on the F1 podium now since Hungary 2014, when he was in his final season with Ferrari. Despite appearing 𝕴"disillusioned at times", however, Brown is adamant that is not the impression he has of the two-time F1 World Champion.

"I want to correct you: I don't see Fernando as disillusioned at all," he said in an interview with the . "I don't know him well y🎶et, but I've met him a few times, ꧟and phoned him too, and I can tell you that he's buzzing.

"Also, even though our car wasn't fully competitive last season, some of his drives were stunningly🏅 good. Look, I'll be frank: I reckon he's the best driver in the world, period."

168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Should these dr♏ivers be racing in F1?...

Brown also believes that Stoffel Vandoorne wilﷺl do well in his debut season, even though his performances𝓰 will be judged relative to the formidable Alonso.

"Stoffel faces a serious test [with Alonso as his team-mate]. But, guess wha𝔉t, I think he'll pass it with flying colours," Brown added. "Our personal trainers tell me he's probably the fittest driver we've ever had, and he'sဣ incredibly focused and determined. He's fiercely intelligent too - you never have to tell him anything twice.