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London - McLaren-Honda risks losing Fernando Alonso if the team cannot significantly up its game.
That is the view of the famous British team's well-known former team coordinator Jo Ramirez.
Ramirez warned told Spanish sports daily AS: "It's still painful. McLaren's evolution is good but it's too slow. They're losing sponsors and will lose Alonso as well."
'I do believe his limit'
Asked if he thinks the two-time world champion and Spaniard is getting tired of McLaren's situation, he answered: "It cannot be otherwise. He is a winning driver and he has to win.
"I don't think he will endure more than next year. I do believe that's his limit."
So as for whether McLaren can return to the top step of the podium, Ramirez said: "I don't know but I hope so, because the talent is there.
"But as I say, sponsors are going, because in this business if you don't win, it's difficult."
When asked if McLaren can succeed as soon as 2017, Ramirez added: "I think this year they should already have been on the podium.
"Of course it's possible to fight for the title, but I think it's difficult. But they have to do everything possible, because I think next year is McLaren's last chance.
"I think they have a lot to improve because do you know what? It's not all the fault of the engine.
"The engine is still not good, but I don't think it's the best chassis in the world. So they have to work together, McLaren and Honda, as if they were a single team, and keep Alonso," he concluded.