Carlos Sainz has said that he can sense the optimism in his friend and countryman Fernando Alonso.
Sainz, who drives for Toro Rosso, says that McLaren's Honda power unit has now overtaken the 2015-spec Ferrari that he uses.
"Definitely. Honda is yet to reach the level of Renault," said Sainz, "but they're close. You can see it on Fernando's face as well.
"I've known him for a long time, and I can easily tell when he is satisfied with how things are going."
Mercedes-powered Force India driver Sergio Perez agreed: "I am quite surprised by their speed here. In the future, they may become a strong contender."
Alonso is 11th in the driver rankings ahead of tomorrow's Italian Grand Prix.
