Fernando Alonso has drafted clearly by stating that he expects a snappy reaction from his McLaren-Honda team after their poor begin to the season. The two-time best on the planet had would have liked to challenge at the front this term, however he qualified thirteenth for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. That took after a pre-season in which the team’s Honda engine was both temperamental and uncompetitive.
“I expect a big change in the team, a big reaction,” the Spaniard, 35, said.
“We will not be 13th all season, or I will not be.”
He said the weekend was progress after a tough winter, but added: “It’s not enough.
“We are McLaren-Honda. If we are not in the top five, on the podium, the rest is losing time.”
McLaren have had two troublesome seasons since the begin of their association with Honda in 2015, yet the organization expected a major stride forward this year in the wake of completing 6th in the constructors’ title last season. However the engine must be changed a few circumstances in pre-season testing.
Yusuke Hasegawa said: “After the winter test we are having strong pressure from the team and the driver, but we try to keep improving.
“We didn’t do a great job. So we need to do that.
“I cannot guarantee when we will get more power but as soon as possible we try to introduce a new specification for that.”
Eric Boullier said: “I am not going to comment on these kind of discussions. It is a private discussion we have with Honda to recover, considering all options.
“We are responsible for McLaren and Hasegawa is responsible for Honda. As partners we try to help each other and support each other because the key secret is to be as integrated as possible.”
