Fernando Alonso has admitted he’s underperformed this season, with just two moments standing out where he believes he’s been at his very best in the car.
The Spaniard blames a lack of motivation due to McLaren-Honda’s difficult season which has seen them running at the back, whilst they’ve often been hit with grid penalties, further skewing their performance.
Alonso, who often prides himself on his ability to outperform his car, doesn’t feel as though he’s lived up to that title very well this season though.
“I don’t think so,” he replied when asked if he thought he’d performed well. “I did some good laps here and there. I remember Japan, qualifying two, I think the lap was at the limit.
“The whole Austin race was good in difficult conditions – wet, dry, dry tyres on a damp track, etc. There I felt confident with the car and able to push.
“Apart from these two moments, I don’t think that I have had the best season.”
Admitting he’s driving in “economy mode”, he says he needs to up his own game next season, regardless of whether his car is or isn’t on the pace of its rivals.
“Definitely I need to improve for next year,” he added. “I’m on standby, let’s say, in economy mode. I will have more energy next year.
“Definitely it would be a frustrating year [if we don’t improve] and it would be sad news because we have high hopes for next year.
“But I don’t think it will be a problem, it will just be another year of learning and preparing for 2017.”
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