by h. Mayor / photo: McLaren

“I have never had such a low performing car”. During all his career as a Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso has always spoken his mind and expressed his thoughts honestly and directly. He declared the above in Melbourne right at the end of the first Grand Prix of the year where he has been trying to squeeze the most points out of a terrible car… until it left him stranded just a few laps from the chequered flag. McLaren’s nightmare season has only just began and many would now settle for the twice champion (and best paid driver on the grill) to come in whatever but last position this season. The question is, will he be able to stand this trance?

The rumours of an early departure from McLaren are there, fuelled by Max Webber’s explicit comments regarding the increasing frustration of the Spaniard and considering an early withdrawal as very reasonable option indeed. Many think of Fernando Alonso as the best driver on the grill but he hasn’t had much luck with his successive outfits: from his time in Ferrari where there was always someone better than him and the move to McLaren, surrounded by great expectations and which has ended up like… this.

Last season was not very encouraging, although he had an acceptable vehicle he did not attract much attention as he had clearly no chance to the podium. It was a transition period, people thought, but no one could imagine what was to come this year. An unreliable and under-performing vehicle which makes the thought of finding a different provider in the middle of the championship (a foolish move  under normal conditions) as the smartest option. A year to forget in any case.

Towards where?

Whatever Alonso decides is his business alone at this point. The rumours and his own very critical statements are revealing but he is also a very professional driver and highly committed to his team. Perhaps his decision will be determined by how he manages his ambitious and competitive character in the face of such a frustrating situation.

An early withdrawal and a sabbatical season while he waits for a winning car for 2018 (he is going to have plenty of offerings) can not be ruled out at the moment. It is either that or enduring a year from hell, in the knowledge that things are not likely to get better any time soon.