McLaren's Zak Brown is confident of retaining the services of Fernando Alonso for 2018 despite the team's ongoing struggles this year.
Brown belives that the Spaniard's IndyCar endeavour has gone a long way towards putting a smile back on the two-time world champion's face.
The McLaren executive insisted however that the team, and engine partner Honda, required a substantial step forward to help tip the balance in favour of Alonso staying at Woking next year.
"Things are getting a little bit better," Brown said.
"We know it's going to be slow and painful, and it has been. We saw a glimmer of hope in Spain and practice [on Thursday in Monaco] wasn't too bad.
"So as long as we can demonstrate to him we're on a path to success than I think he will hang in there because he really likes the whole McLaren team environment."
While Alonso has a real shot of making history on Sunday, it's unlikely he'll be stepping into a suddenly competitive car upon his return to the F1 grid in Montreal.
But Brown believes he will carry over a positive frame of mind on the back of his Indy experience, regardless of his result at the end of the 500-mile event.
"His smile is big enough, I think it's going to carry him for a little bit," said the McLaren boss.
"We're obviously working hard to make sure we're more competitive every race and that's what he wants.
"As long as he's getting in the car and feels we are moving forward and is helping move it forward and feeling competitive he'll continue to be patient."
“Want to win a trackday experience? All you have to do is subscribe to our FREE newsletter HERE”
GALLERY: All the action from Monaco
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
