Formula One: Fernando Alonso retains title belief

Fernando Alonso is confident he can claim a third Formula One world title and says he would quit if he thought otherwise.

The Spaniard was crowned champion in 2005 and 2006 while with Renault and, now driving for McLaren-Honda, he retains hope of wrapping up a hat-trick.

Asked by Spanish radio station Cope if he thought a title tilt was on the cards, the 34-year-old said: "Yes, I think so.

"I compete to win. If there was no chance, I wouldn't do it."

He concedes, however, that patience may prove a virtue in his bid for further glory, with Mercedes looking set to continue their dominance of the sport.

But top-three honours are very much on his radar in the short term.

"I do not think we are far from achieving a podium," Alonso added.

"I would be surprised if we managed it at the start of the season, because in the first few races not everything will be place."

He left Ferrari for his new team in 2015, but insists he does not have any regrets about making what many deemed a step down.

"I was offered to renew until 2019 and did not want to take it up," Alonso, who finished 17th in the drivers' standings last season, said. "I would never have been world champion there.

"Now I enjoy Formula One more being 10 positions further behind."