Spaniard then takes spoof visit to the podium with Jenson Button
Saturday 14 November 2015 20:06, UK
Watch as Fernando Alonso goes sunbathing after his McLaren car broke down in qualifying for the Brazilian GP.
In the latest nadir in what has been a thoroughly miserable season for the Spaniard since his switch from Ferrari, Alonso's McLaren car seized up for the second successive day at the start of Saturday's qualifying hour.
Having taken a trackside perch for Friday's Practice Two when the engine on his MP4-30 failed, Alonso simply opted to soak up the sun when he sat by the side of the Interlagos circuit a day later.
Apparently in mischievous mood, Alonso then took a spoof visit to the podium in the company of team-mate Jenson Button after both McLaren drivers failed to progress from Q1 for the eighth time this year.
"I'm not sure if we'll get in trouble for that, but it was a lot of fun," said Button. "It was the most fun I've had this weekend."
But behind the public smiles and impressive stoicism, frustration is mounting at McLaren with the team's new partnership with Honda failing to deliver any tangible improvement through the year. Only Manor remain below the fallen superpower in the Constructors' Championship.
"Unfortunately, apart from the jokes, there is a lot of frustration," said Alonso. "Next year especially, we need to learn from all these problems and mistakes and not repeat them anymore."
The two-time world champion had told reporters earlier in the year to judge his decision to move to McLaren 'in November'. Reminded of that comment, Alonso replied: "It's a question for the team, for Mr Arai, for Ron [Dennis]. They need to evaluate how this season was and what actions they will take for next year."
Watch the Brazilian GP live on Sky Sports F1. Race-show coverage begins at 2.30pm on Sunday with lights out at 4pm. Watch the Brazilian GP for £6.99 on NOW TV. No contract.
