Both McLarens retired again in Canada, but Alonso insists move was only way to topple Mercedes
Monday 15 June 2015 15:30, UK
Fernando Alonso insists he is not frustrated at McLaren, reiterating that leaving Ferrari was the only way he has a chance of beating Mercedes.
After five fruitless years in Italy, Alonso returned to Woking this season as McLaren rekindled their relationship with Honda.
However, the partnership with the new engine supplier has endured a difficult start - to put it mildly - and both McLaren cars retired in Canada. Alonso has already been forced out of four races this season with unreliability having only been forced to stop due to mechanical gremlins on just three occasions during his time with Ferrari.
While he toiled at the back, Alonso had to watch the car he vacated scythe through the field in the hands of Sebastian Vettel to go from 18th on the grid to fifth at the chequered flag. Even a robust defence from the Spaniard couldn’t delay the former world champion for long.
Despite that, Alonso says it is not an embarrassing position for McLaren, remaining adamant that moving teams was the only way he could add to the titles he won in 2005 and 2006.
“No, I think it is just the consequence of being a new team, with very new technology, a very aggressive approach in terms of car design and it will require time, but it is the only way to beat Mercedes in the future,” he told Sky Sports News HQ.
Ferrari's failure to challenge Mercedes, with Valtteri Bottas beating both Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen to the final podium spot, will only reaffirm Alonso's belief he is better taking a chance at McLaren rather than being the best of the rest at Ferrari. Indeed, Alonso says the only way he would regret the move to McLaren would be if a Ferrari driver wins the world title.
Prior to his retirement Alonso vented his frustrations over the team radio after being asked to save fuel, but he was more upbeat about the McLaren’s prospects moving forward.
“No frustration, it was just I had some battles going on, I had to save fuel, save tyres and after three or four reminders I said 'First, let me race because it is my good motivation now, as we have cars around and then at the end if we are on our own, we save fuel then'," Alonso told Sky Sports F1.
"But we know the situation, it is what it is, and what we need to do is work harder than ever because we want to change the situation. All the things I see for future races make sense, I see some positive signs that everything that is coming makes sense."
Alonso is one of only three drivers not to have scored a point in 2015, joining Manor pair Will Stevens and Roberto Merhi at the foot of the table. During his first year with Ferrari, Alonso won on his debut and took the title fight to the final race of the season.
