Fernando Alonso tried to remain positive despite failing to qualify for this weekend’s Indianapolis 500.
After a tough week for the McLaren entry, the Spaniard finished outside the top 30 in Saturday’s main qualifying session and would drop down to 34th in the ‘Last Row’ shootout on Sunday.
As a result, it means the two-time Formula 1 champion’s wait to complete the Triple Crown will go on for another year at least.
“I think there are always things that you learn and things that you improve for next time you’re here, the next challenge – not only in the Indy 500 but as a driver. I still feel proud,” Alonso reflected.
“Obviously I’m disappointed now because we will not be in the race, but as I said, even for McLaren, they will be a bit thin in the next day or next two days, and then everyone will forget.
“I feel it’s unfair a little bit if things go on that way, but we didn’t do the job. We were not quick enough. Simple. The others, they did better. We congratulate them.”
Margins were tiny as a difference of just 0.019mph as an average over four laps of the Brickyard was all that separated Alonso and the 33rd placed car of Kyle Kaiser.
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And with much of the criticism being levelled at McLaren, sporting director Gil de Ferran issued a public apology.
“I want to thank this man here on my left [Alonso], and I want to apologise to you because we didn’t give you a car that was fast enough,” he said.
“You know, you drove like the champion that we know you are. Particularly these last three days, it’s been incredibly tense and very difficult, and we couldn’t have asked anything more from you, Fernando.
“So I’m sorry, man. You’re an amazing driver.”
After failing to make the cut, there was still an option to buy an entry into the race from another team but that will not happen it was confirmed.