Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin-Honda): “Sorry, but it’s no fun like this”

In the rain at the São Paulo Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso showed why, even at the age of 45, he remains one of the best Formula 1 drivers. He put his Aston Martin-Honda through its paces in such a way that it was a sheer joy to watch, and he was darting around in positions that the car simply wasn’t capable of achieving.

Despite all his driving skill, he failed to score any World Championship points: the Asturian crossed the line in 12th place. On the very circuit where he secured both his F1 World Championship titles, that is simply not good enough for him.

The 32-time Grand Prix winner told Viaplay: “Sorry, but it’s no fun like this. I just come here and do my job. It’s not nice having to work with different tools to the other drivers.”

“The car was phenomenal in the corners. It was a brilliant feeling. In terms of the chassis, we were stronger than Mercedes. But we simply lose too much on the straights, and that was particularly noticeable in Brazil on the long uphill stretch back to the start-finish line.”

Alonso pokes a bit of fun at himself and his age when he says: “When I put in an outstanding performance, everyone says that’s just par for the course for me. When I put in a normal performance, they say I’m too old.”

“I don’t need to learn anything more about my car. We know crystal clear what we need to improve. We have to work hard for next year to make up the ground and be more competitive.”