Fernando Alonso was disappointed after not achieving a podium that he felt would have been in reach without the significantly uncompetitive Honda power unit in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Alonso was able to grab his and McLaren’s first points of the season at the crazy race in Baku, recovering from 19th on the grid after engine penalties to finish ninth. But at one point, the Spaniard was racing the eventual race winner Daniel Ricciardo, as the Australian made his own comeback through the field.

“It was a shame I couldn't keep all the positions we gained, due to our current deficiencies,” Alonso commented after the race.

“In the end, it was a race that, in other circumstances, we could have even won it or finish on the podium. I was with Ricciardo when the first Safety Car came out, Hamilton lost the headrest, Vettel got a penalty, and the two Force India went off, Kimi retired, so you are automatically in the first two or three positions.

“We should have fought for the win, but unfortunately we are not in this position now.”

Alonso did enjoy the points he eventually earned, however, coming at a race they least expected to be competitive and especially as McLaren struggle with its Honda power and having missed the opportunity at the Canadian Grand Prix when the double world champion was forced to retire from the points with 2 laps to spare.

“For sure the race cannot be summarised in one word; we need to analyse it better,” he said

“For us, everything went well, it was one of those days in which, by elimination, you keep going forward, gaining free positions and then it was a shame I couldn't keep all the positions we gained, due to our current deficiencies.

“To collect two points in Baku is something we never thought would be possible. We never thought we would collect our first points of the season here, so they are welcome.”