Fernando Alonso is still refusing to rule out a future move to Mercedes.
Although fully committed to the remaining two seasons of his McLaren-Honda contract, the Spaniard began his 2016 campaign by revealing that he almost switched from Ferrari to Mercedes last year in a swap deal involving Lewis Hamilton.
"You always want to be where the best car is, and that's Mercedes," he told Spanish radio Onda Cero.
"I am now where I try to be happy. And yes, I'm happy," Alonso insisted.
While the start of the new McLaren-Honda project last year was disastrous, Alonso says that his car is definitely better for 2016.
"What we are behind is between 30 and 80 horse power," Alonso said. "There is no 100 or 200hp deficit to Mercedes.
"The engine last year had serious structural flaws. This year our Achilles heel will again be the power as I do not think we can recover all of the lost ground. But this season will be different and we started well, not to get victories but it will be very different from last year.
"I am very motivated and willing to do the best season of my life. The car was born well with some limitations, but I am told there will be major improvements."
The new season gets underway with the Australian Grand Prix on March 20.
