Former Red Bull driver Mark Webber has admitted his dismay at the ongoing difficulties faced by good friend Fernando Alonso at McLaren.
The Spaniard has finished just a single race he has participated in so far this year, achieving a 12th place in Spain and that includes his one-off appearance at the Indianapolis 500, which was ended 21 laps from the end due to engine failure.
Unreliable and underpowered Honda engines have been at the centre of all Alonso’s troubles and, even before the track action has begun, this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix is set to be troubled as he and team-mate Stoffel Vandoorne will start from the back of the grid.
There is a lot of speculation surrounding the 35-year-old’s future, as he is in the final year of his current contract at McLaren, with a decision expected around September.
Contemplating what he’ll be considering when making that call, Webber told reporters at the FIA Sport Conference in Geneva: “It’s day-by-day with Fernando. He’s his own man.
“He’s a phenomenal talent. It’s a total waste and an absolute travesty that he’s at the back of the grid, driving a car that’s uncompetitive. But he’s still in a situation where he’s driving phenomenally.
Despite what for many would be the twilight of their prime years, the Australian also thinks Alonso would have plenty to offer any top team is any category.
“I think his market value has never been higher,” the former WEC champion said, “what he’s done at the Indy 500, and then what he’s done sometimes with that McLaren. Stoffel [Vandoorne] I don’t think knows what’s hit him, so that’s what it’s like on Sundays working with someone like Fernando.
“I don’t know,” he added, coming to a conclusion on where he’ll be in the future. “Let’s see what engine McLaren get, see if they can hold him over the winter, and convince him that they’re going to win next year.”
As for the former Renault and Ferrari driver, he believes he is driving as well as he ever has and is enjoying the new style of F1 despite all the disappointing results.
“I know that I’m very happy with this year’s rules, I’m happy with this year’s cars, I’m able to attack the corners and I’ve never had a start of the season like this year in terms of how competitive I felt in the car,” Fernando commented
“I never started with a difference with my teammate as big as this year, ever, and it’s a teammate that won in all the other categories, so… I’ve a very good reference, you know.
“I’m definitely at my best. In terms of keeping motivation and keeping hunger for success, despite the results, because you know and you feel that you are in a very good moment of your driving career.”