After all the controversy around Alonso’s strong critics against Honda in the Japanese Grand Prix, this time was the former double world champion Mika Hakkinen who had something to say.
The Finn, who was the Formula One champion in 1998 and 1999 with McLaren, believes that Alonso knew what he was signing up for, in an interview for his native country newspaper, the Ilta Sanomat.
“He has already begun to rail against the magnificent engine manufacturers. – Fernando’s keep in mind that he himself has taken up the challenge”.
Hakkinen remembers when Mercedes started to provide engines to McLaren, and how long he had to wait for his first win.
“When the motor development is very slow, it is a stressful time for the driver. In my own career, when the Mercedes came to McLaren’s partner, the engine speed improved development time significantly.”
“I waited for the first F1 win seven years. Alonso, the double world champion, but he has driven the McLaren-Honda until about half a year”
Hakkinen also says that the drivers are an important part of the whole evolution, and so they must go through the good parts and the bad as well.
“Alonso and many other drivers are sumptuous compensation for the work. They agree to support the trailing good and bad days. When that kind of project joins, the work must be able to perform honorably completed.”
