Alonso ruing lack of competitiveness over the last few years

Fernando Alonso admits that the last number of years in his Formula 1 career have been very tough, as the talented Spaniard has languished near the back of the grid. A move in 2015 to McLaren-Honda hasn't yet paid off for Alonso, who is targeting a race winning car for 2018.

With many failing to see a huge leap for struggling engine supplier Honda in under a year, Alonso is heavily rumoured to be leaving the squad. Even more so, McLaren could settle for a divorce and bring back Mercedes power, who are much more reliable and pacier than Honda.  

"The lack of victories hurts the career, the motivation and happiness," Alonso told Sky F1. "That's been the biggest loss of the last couple of years. From 2013 I didn't have victories, so it's not only the last three years. That's been the frustrating thing."

The 35-year-old hasn't won a race since 2013, at the Spanish Grand Prix, while his last podium came in Hungary of 2014. He pointed out some other drivers who he believes are very talented, but also don't quite have the results to show for it.

"But at the same time l look at other drivers, Nico Hulkenberg, Daniel Ricciardo, even Max Verstappen, who are super talented guys, and they have two or three podiums in the last couple of years. It is a very strong domination from Mercedes, and this year from Ferrari and Mercedes, so all the other drivers are in the same situation."

Fergal Walsh