F1 News, Reports and Race Results

‘Strange’ Sainz move compromised Alonso's race in Mexico

McLaren-Honda’s Fernando Alonso thinks being pushed on the grass by Carlos Sainz on the opening lap of the Mexican Grand Prix compromised his chances to score points.

Lining up 11th and behind the Toro Rosso driver on the grid, Alonso enjoyed a good getaway and drew alongside Sainz only to be forced off track by his fellow Spaniard.

That loss of momentum condemned the two-time world champion to a long afternoon around the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, with Alonso eventually crossing the line in 13th position.

“We could have passed Sainz during the first lap, but he says he didn’t see me when he pushed me onto the grass,” the 35-year-old said. “I nearly spun in the middle of the field, it was a strange move from his side.

“That compromised our race, at least the first part of it. We stopped earlier because we spent 40 laps behind Carlos without being able to overtake. Both our cars were stuck behind him, so we tried to split the strategies and this time it was my turn to try a two-stop strategy.

“In the end we ended up in the same positions, Jenson and I. but if the first lap had gone down normally maybe we could have fought for points.”

With team-mate Jenson Button finishing 12th, McLaren-Honda endured a difficult outing in Mexico. Although both drivers had announced high goals for the British team in the final races of the season, Alonso is now scaling down the ambitions.

“The race was boring without any real battles, as it’s so hard to get close to the car in front in this track and even more to overtake.

“It’s not a very nice result, but we’re not fast enough and need to improve for the next time.

“We were outside the points, so we have to improve for Brazil, but we haven’t been really competitive for a while so I think we have two tough races to go before the end of the season.”

2016 Mexican Grand Prix - Driver ratings

REPORT: Hamilton keeps title hopes alive with Mexico win

Breakfast with Stefan Johansson 15 minutes with ... Nico Rosberg

Silbermann says ... Masked in Mexico

2017 driver line-ups so far

Julien Billiotte

Recent Posts

Horner: Max 'answered critics' with epic Sao Paulo GP drive

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner hailed Max Verstappen’s sensational Sao Paulo Grand Prix victory…

39 seconds ago

Sainz left puzzled by double crash drama in rainy São Paulo

Carlos Sainz was left scratching his head after a disastrous Sunday at the Sao Paulo…

1 hour ago

Alonso pushed through agonizing pain to complete Sao Paulo GP

Fernando Alonso braved both physical agony and mechanical challenges in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix,…

3 hours ago

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

17 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

19 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

20 hours ago