Formula 1: 'Confident' Alonso says happy with McLaren progress despite tough F1 start

Two-time Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso has expressed that he is happy with McLaren's progress despite enduring a difficult start to the season.

The McLaren driver missed the season opener race in Australia following a pre-season crash and had to retire from the subsequent Malaysian Grand Prix.

Ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix on April 12, Alonso said that the steps they took between Australia and Malaysia were extremely impressive, insisting that such sort of progress really gives the whole team belief and confidence in the path they are taking, the BBC reported.

Echoing similar views, teammate Jenson Button maintained that there is definitely progress being made, adding that he hopes they could build upon their pace and performance in Malaysia.