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In a question and answer session with Formula.com after qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso admitted that McLaren is set to struggle for the remainder of the 2017 Season due to a lack of performance, directing the responsibility of the team’s issues towards Honda.
"This is Formula 1 and we knew that it was going to be a difficult season again. We are not competitive and the reliability is not strong enough at the moment," said Alonso. "We are using too many engines already, which means that also in the next couple of races we will start from the last row. And that will not make things easier."
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"The car is good - especially in the corners. When I am behind or in front of somebody I can say that we are as good as the best cars out there. But we do lose 2.5 or 3 seconds on the straights here and that is impossible to compensate for - especially from the position we will start the race."
Despite being downbeat about McLaren’s current performance, Alonso remained optimistic about the rest of the season. "I am sure there will also come races where we will perform well - similar to what we’ve seen in Monaco where the team was competitive. So I am looking forward to some of the races still to come, to maximize the result there."
Nevertheless, Alonso did not hold much hope for the rest of the weekend in Baku: "In these kind of races, like this one here [in Azerbaijan] - where we know that we are not competitive - we have to look to finish the race to get valuable data for the team to continue developing the car," said Alonso.
"But really, let’s wait until tomorrow. We have seen so many things happening in the free practice sessions – and if we only see half of them tomorrow the race result will be surprising."
So far in 2017, Alonso has failed to finish inside the points in any of the first seven races of the season, with his best finish being 12th at his home race in Spain, leaving the double champion in 19th place in the Drivers’ Championship.
After joining McLaren in 2015, aiming to secure a third championship, Alonso’s best finish remains as fifth place and he has seen limited success, mainly due to the lack of power McLaren have faced through their partnership with Honda.
As Alonso’s contract ends at the end of 2017, it remains unknown as to whether the Spaniard will stay at the team in 2018 and beyond. With rumors circulating around the paddock that McLaren could ditch Honda for Mercedes power soon, Alonso was asked if this would change his mind in staying with the team.
"It will change nothing," Alonso replied. "My decision is not depending on what power unit McLaren will use next year. My decision will be based on if I can win or not next year."
Chris Soulsby
Azerbaijan Grand Prix
C. Sainz jr
78 members have this team as their favourite
Replies (2)
Login to replyf1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
Just leave McLaren already..
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
"It will change nothing," Alonso replied. "My decision is not depending on what power unit McLaren will use next year. My decision will be based on if I can win or not next year."
Then I sincerely doubt you will stay at McLaren. It doesnt matter if there is a Honda or a Mercedes PU in it for them, I just dont think McLaren would be able to win against the likes of Ferrari or Mercedes. Their current chassis is great, but I dont think its on par with the top 2 teams.