Alonso baffled by Dennis' sabbatical comments

Dennis caused a stir ahead of qualifying for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix when he told reporters that he could not rule out a sabbatical for Alonso if the McLaren-Honda package continues to be uncompetitive next season.

Alonso admitted he was baffled by Dennis' comments and insisted he will be on the grid next year.

"I will be. I will be," Alonso said.

"I haven't spoken to him, so I don't think that's true. It's always the same story. When Ron or another driver says something then I have to respond and guess what they meant to say.

"I think when he speaks, you have the golden chance to ask him and I don't know what he meant to say," Alonso added.

Alonso said he did not think Dennis' comments were aimed at putting pressure on him to do better.

"If he wants to put pressure on anyone, I'm sure it's not on me, and if it's someone, it has to be on Honda so they do a good job all winter," he said.

"Obviously let's hope that next year, when we hit the track, we are competitive and when we are competitive we are also a bit lucky, and we have tyres that last more than a lap," added the Spaniard, who was knocked out in Q1 after suffering a puncture.