Alonso: ‘Big problems need big actions’

Fernando Alonso insists he is confident of McLaren’s prospects for 2016, despite his tough weekend in Brazil - and his expectation of another in the upcoming season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Honda power unit issues meant Alonso failed to set a qualifying time at Interlagos - for the second Grand Prix in a row. Nevertheless, he is sure the team will use the knowledge gained to their advantage for next year.

“If we can turn all our frustration into inspiration it should definitely help our learning curve,” said the Spaniard. “For big problems you need big actions - and that is what we are doing for next year. I am still optimistic.

“In Abu Dhabi, if we are out in Q1 it will no longer be a disappointment but bitter reality. But we know it, so we have to put things in place for next season. For big problems you need big actions - and that is what we are doing for next year.”

As has been well documented in the press, the first season of McLaren’s revived partnership with Honda has been a tough one - the team have scored just 27 points from 18 races - but Alonso maintains 2016 will be a different story.

“It is still early days for next year’s project,” added the two-time world champion. “All our weaknesses are identified - and we are working on them. [Following Abu Dhabi] we will work flat out to make sure that 2015 never happens again.”

Alonso’s best finish of 2015 to date remains his fifth place in Hungary back in July. Since then he has failed to score a point.