Singapore GP: Fernando Alonso thinks McLaren could have fought for victory

Fernando Alonso believes he could have fought Lewis Hamilton for victory in Sunday's Singapore GP had his McLaren not been caught up in the first-lap mayhem.

The Spaniard had made a brilliant start from eighth to be running third by the time he reached Turn One, although he thought he had got ahead of Hamilton too, saying, "I was even in front of Hamilton in Turn One. It was only Vettel, Verstappen and Kimi that hit me so arguably we could be in P1 now."

But it was a case of 'right place, wrong time' for Alonso as he was blindsided by Max Verstappen's stricken Red Bull which had been hit a second time by Kimi Raikkonen.

WATCH: Turn One mayhem as Vettel, Raikkonen and Verstappen crash out

Alonso's MCL32 was sent flying, with the damage sustained ultimately forced him to retire on lap eight, and the two-time world champion thinks McLaren were denied their first podium since their reunion with Honda and perhaps a first victory since 2012.

"I was 100 per cent sure of a podium," Alonso told Sky F1. "The question is whether we could have fought for a victory.

"I didn't see much unfortunately. Everything happened in the inside and I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Unfortunately this race we had a lot of hopes.

"In wet conditions I think we are very strong as well and arguably we could be leading the race.

"It was an amazing start from the car, the launch was very good today. We missed this opportunity and we need to hope for better luck in Malaysia."

Alonso and McLaren had been in the mix all weekend in Singapore, where it was confirmed they will split from engine suppliers Honda at the end of the season and switch to Renault power from 2018.

With less emphasis on the power unit, Alonso had run in the top 10 in every session while Stoffel Vandoorne recorded his best F1 finish with seventh.

Alonso 'hopes for McLaren deal'
Following McLaren's link-up with Renault, the question now is whether Alonso will extend his three-year stay with the team, with his contract due to expire at the end of the season.

Alonso won his two world championships with the French manufacturer in 2005 and 2006 and he gave a strong indication to Sky F1 that he would sign a new contract.

McLaren confident of Alonso deal

"I always said I will wait first for the decision of the team," he said.

"They announced this weekend their project for the next couple of years now I will see that project in detail.

"I had fantastic three years with this team even without the results and hopefully we can make a deal."