McLaren racing director Eric Boullier says a disappointing 16th and 18th at the Japanese Grand Prix was “hard to take”.
Honda’s home race at Suzuka proved to be a tough one for McLaren, with both drivers struggling throughout practice and qualifying.
Jenson Button then dropped to the very back of the grid with a engine change penalty, recovering to 18th place.
Fernando Alonso admitted the race was a “nasty surprise” after going from 15th at the start to 16th by the flag.
“There’s no point denying that we’re thoroughly disappointed, because we are,” he said.
“Having scored points with both cars last weekend in Malaysia, to finish 16th and 18th here in Japan is hard to take, frankly.
“However, such is the esprit de corps and will to win that now characterise all who work for both McLaren and Honda, as one unified racing force, that we’ll put this forgettable weekend behind us straight away and refocus our attentions and ambitions on the next race: the United States Grand Prix at Austin.
“But before we do so, I want to pay tribute to the Suzuka fans, who are amongst the most devoted and enthusiastic in the world.
“As ever, they came out in force – many of them in support of their home team, McLaren-Honda – and we would dearly love to have been able to give them something better to cheer about than in the end we did. Next year we will.”
