Fernando Alonso expects Ferrari to challenge for World Championship glory during 2017 despite their struggles this season.

The McLaren driver spent five seasons with the Maranello-based outfit between 2010 and 2014, achieving three second-place finishes in the drivers’ standings.

The current Ferrari team finished second in the Constructors’ Championship last season but they have endured a frustrating campaign this term, with no race victories to their name, and they are without a podium finish since Kimi Raikkonen’s third place at the Austrian Grand Prix in early July.

The poor run of form has seen the Italian team slip to third in the constructors’ standings but, despite their relative struggles, Alonso remains convinced his former team can return to top form.

He said: “Now [Ferrari] have Kimi and Sebastian getting along together and I’m sure they’re enjoying it, albeit missing the championship.

But I think next year they will be stronger”. Ferrari have not won a Constructors’ Championship since 2008 while they have not had a world champion since 2007, but Alonso is convinced the Italian team are well placed to challenge the dominance of Mercedes.

He added: “It’s not only a problem for Ferrari – Mercedes has an advantage that is so great since the regulations changed, so maybe next year, with the rule changes, things can be mixed up again.

I’m sure that Ferrari will be strong again.” The Scuderia will be hoping improvements can be made during the second half of 2016, with the next race on the calendar, the Belgian Grand Prix, taking place on August 28.