F1: Alonso's frustration level now high

McLaren-Honda driver Fernando Alonso admits the frustration of missing qualifying for Brazilian Grand Prix after exiting the last Formula 1 race in Mexico early is "high."

Alonso stopped on track with a Honda power-unit problem for the second time in 24 hours during the first phase of Interlagos qualifying, before he could set a time. It means he will start Sunday's race last on the grid, following his token start in Mexico.

"The frustration of not being part of qualifying is high," he said. "I didn't take part in the race in Mexico, and now qualifying here.

"It's a tough period, but we need to learn from our problems, our mistakes, and try not to repeat them next year. I think two engine problems, definitely not a good reliability record this year in general, but especially this weekend."

Alonso joked that he would be "more prepared in Abu Dhabi and take the telephone, take the sun tanning [lotion]" with him, and that he would benefit from a "frequent passenger" scheme with F1's medical car. However, he is braced for more pain before the troubled campaign finishes.

"At the end of the day, I know the situation," he said. "We have been last all season, so we will be last here and we will be last in Abu Dhabi. So in Abu Dhabi if we are out in Q1, it's not any more a disappointment, it's the reality.

"We need to know that and we need to put the things in place for next year. Big problems need big actions and I think that is what we are doing for next year and I am still optimistic."

McLAREN DUO REACH PODIUM

Alonso and teammate Jenson Button, also eliminated in Q1, did at least get to grace an F1 podium in 2015. Before the second phase of qualifying commenced, the pair sneaked onto the Interlagos rostrum, posing for a photo and waving to fans pictured, BELOW).

"We saw the podium that close and said, 'We will not be this close anymore, so let's take a picture at least and have a memory of this year,'" Alonso explained.

Originally on Autosport.com