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Alonso makes brutal McLaren comparison over Aston Martin Honda problems

Photo: Race Pictures

13:03, 12 Mar

bySamson Ero

Fernando Alonso has drawn parallels between Aston Martin’s current struggles with power unit supplier Honda and the challenges he faced a decade ago at McLaren.

“Some of the things that people thought about me ten years ago… maybe they think now that I was right back then."

- Fernando Alonso

The veteran Spaniard, during his interaction with the media, was asked about what he considers to be the difference between the current struggle experienced by the Aston Martin team and what was witnessed at McLaren. He highlighted the differing perceptions and scrutiny he faces today versus ten years ago.

“I think I can see things now from a different perspective and with a different maturity, but I don’t think that ten years ago things were, again, that dramatic,” Alonso explained.

“This is Formula 1, a very media-centric sport. When you win a few championships just racing against your teammate, you are God, and then when you are fighting and going through a difficult period, everything is magnified as well,” he added.

Fernando Alonso during the Australian Grand Prix - Photo: Race Pictures

Alonso, in describing the situation, revisited the challenges he endured alongside McLaren teammates Jenson Button and Stoffel Vandoorne, pointing out that the Honda power unit back then was not fully developed.

“In a way, ten years later, some of the things people thought about me back then… they may have changed their opinion and maybe now think that I was right ten years ago. For me, the biggest surprise over these last few years has been thinking that ten years ago at McLaren, Stoffel [Vandoorne], Jenson [Button], and myself—because people always seem to remember only Fernando, but I think Jenson, Stoffel, and McLaren were saying the same thing—that project, the power unit, was not mature enough when we started, which everyone seems to understand now.”

Alonso also touched on the more critical public and media scrutiny he faces today, admitting that his competitive nature makes it difficult to stay silent.

“But two or three years ago, it seemed that I was crazy. Ten years ago, criticising or complaining was the same. It was, I think, just a few frustrations on the radio. As a double world champion and a competitive driver, I was not happy with the situation—wow, should I be happy and clapping inside the car about the job?”

Fernando Alonso in Melbourne - Photo: Race Pictures

“Now, I think when everyone sees the situation from the outside, and they see the current situation, they are a little more understanding and sympathetic. What I can do in the team now is just work harder, try to help Honda as much as we can, allocating some of the resources that Aston Martin has into the engine, into the power unit, into the vibration problems, into the deployment issues.”

“Obviously, we are now in a different world in Formula 1 with all the data available, all the GPS, the analysis we can get from other teams, and we can allocate some of those resources to help Honda… or they can focus on one thing, and we can help in other areas of the power unit. So, we are one team. As I said, it’s a bumpy start, but I hope it will not last too long. Solutions won’t be immediate either, so let’s see,” Alonso concluded.

The Aston Martin team has endured a challenging start to the season, failing to finish the opening Australian Grand Prix due to power unit issues highlighted by team principal Adrian Newey.

Alonso reveals harsh reality of Aston Martin’s struggle

Despite the difficulties, Alonso stressed that the reality of Honda’s struggles may not be as dire as it seems. The 44-year-old admitted frustration at not being able to fight for victories but emphasised his commitment to helping the team overcome its current issues.

“Less tough than what you think. I mean, not ideal. We all want to win. There are 22 drivers this year: one will win, 21 will be in a difficult and tough mental state, because for me to finish third or fifth or 17th really doesn’t matter much. I was lucky enough and privileged enough to experience different eras in Formula 1, to have fun driving, and eventually very lucky to have competitive cars for half of my career and achieve more than 100 podiums in the category,” Alonso explained.

“So now, to finish in any position other than first is the same pain and the same struggle. Obviously, we are now on this journey with the team, which is not an ideal start, but it’s the first year of this collaboration between Aston Martin and Honda, and we have to go through this moment in time. I’m ready to help as much as I can,” he concluded.

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