Fernando Alonso was pleased to score points during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and has called the season positive after a difficult start to the 2016 season.
The result at the Yas Marina Circuit ensured the McLaren Honda Formula 1 Team driver clinched tenth place in the Drivers’ Championship, one point ahead of Williams Martini Racing‘s Felipe Massa.
“The race was good; fun, but difficult as well,” said Alonso. “There wasn’t really much I could do against the Force India’s and the Williams, but I fought until the last lap and got quite close, so I’m happy with the point we scored today, and pleased that we secured our positions in the constructors’ and drivers’ championships.”
His McLaren team have shown gradually improvement throughout the 2016 season, finishing in sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship, and Alonso hopes the team can work together to build a more competitive package for the 2017 season.
“Overall, this season has been positive: we’ve shown big progress compared to 2015, but we want to win the world championship – and there’s still a long way to go before we can achieve that. Still, we have a long winter ahead of us, and we’ll make a huge effort in order to arrive in Australia with a more competitive package.”
Alonso’s praised his team-mate Jenson Button as it may be his last race in Formula 1 but he will still have a huge impact with the team. The Spaniard also congratulated Nico Rosberg for winning the Championship and felt that both Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton drove brilliantly this season.
“It’s a shame that Jenson’s final race came to an early end, but he’ll still be around next year, and he’ll be a huge asset for us in his new role,” said Alonso.
“Finally, I’m very happy for Nico [Rosberg]. He’s had a fantastic season and he deserved to be champion. He always believed in his possibilities and he managed his advantage perfectly. Both he and Lewis did a great job but it was time for Nico to win this year, as Lewis has three titles already!”
