Fernando Alonso predicts his Formula One victory in 2018

Fernando Alonso has vowed to claim a Formula One victory in 2018, despite uncertainty over where his future lies.

Two-time drivers’ champion Alonso has endured a dismal season so far, finishing just one of the six races he has entered as McLaren’s issues with the Honda engine persist.

The Spaniard is expected to make a decision over his future after F1’s mid-season break as he seeks a way out of his three-year McLaren-Honda nightmare.

And the 35-year-old is determined to find a car capable of winning races next season.

“I will wait and make the best decision and whatever decision l will take it’s because l will win in 2018,” he told Sky Sports.

“Next year will be a happy year.”

Alonso has not won a race since taking the Spanish Grand Prix for Ferrari in 2013 and appears unlikely to force his way into one of the sport’s current big three.

Mercedes and Red Bull are expected to retain their existing driver line-ups, while a return to Ferrari so soon after leaving the team is deemed improbable by many.

Alonso starts from the back of the grid in Azerbaijan on Sunday due to multiple engine penalties.