McLaren F1 Team sporting director Gil de Ferran admits it was a “mixed” weekend for the team at the Italian Grand Prix.
The team struggled in qualifying with Stoffel Vandoorne finishing last but Fernando Alonso impressed with thirteenth, but he was forced to retire after only nine laps with an electrical issue to deny him any chance of scoring points at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza.
“We leave this amazing place with mixed feelings.
“On one hand, we are bitterly disappointed with Fernando’s retirement, which was an electrical issue, when he was in a solid position to score some points.”
Vandoorne improved from his qualifying showing as he finished twelfth and with a good strategy, was able to finish ahead of supposed ‘quicker’ cars.
“On the other hand, Stoffel put in a strong performance, pushing hard all the way. We executed a clean pit-stop and made good decisions on strategy.”
Italy was the final European race of the season with seven flyaway races to complete the championship and Ferran is hoping to improve the team’s position in the constructors championship in the final races.
“Now we say goodbye to Europe and look ahead to the last chapter of the championship, where we’ll continue to keep fighting and trying to improve our position in the standings.”
