Webber on Alonso: 'It's an absolute travesty!'

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Former F1 driver Mark Webber has lashed out at Fernando Alonso's current state of affairs, the Australian feeling shocked to see the Spaniard race at the back of the grid.

Alonso is in his third unproductive year at McLaren-Honda, with no light at the end of what has been a very dark tunnel following the Japanese manufacturer's complete failure to produce a competitive and reliable engine.

Seven races into the 2017 season, McLaren remains the only team without a single championship point on the board.

A close friend of the two-time world champion, Webber admitted to feeling sad at Alonso's situation, but that his ordeal took nothing away from his driving which has never been better according to the Aussie.

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"It's a total waste and an absolute travesty that he's at the back of the grid, driving a car that's uncompetitive," Webber told GPUpdate.net at the FIA Sport Conference in Geneva.

"He's still in a situation where he's driving phenomenally, though.

"I think his value has never been higher, with what he's done at the Indy 500, and with what he's done sometimes with that McLaren – Stoffel I don't think knows what's hit him.

"I've also been hearing incredible things about how awesome he was at Indy; [Alonso's mentor] Gil de Ferran, and I know Gil well, just said it was phenomenal how well he took to it."

While obviously hoping his friend will enjoy better days, Webber wasn't sure a Mercedes-powered McLaren could potentially entice Alonso to remain at McLaren.

"It still won't be the same engine as the silver cars, will it? McLaren would need to have half a second in the pocket from the car," concluded Aussie Grit.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.