Japanese GP: McLaren boss Ron Dennis unhappy with Fernando Alonso
McLaren Group CEO Ron Dennis is to take Fernando Alonso to task internally over his outspoken remarks and a lack of professionalism following Formula 1's Japanese Grand Prix
At engine supplier Honda's home circuit Suzuka, Alonso made his feelings on the V6 system - which has been lacking all season - extremely clear.
Early in the race, Alonso bemoaned his lack of pace, saying "it's embarrassing, very embarrassing", before later criticising the Honda engine as "GP2" standard, followed by an exasperated cry of frustration.
Suggested to Dennis that with Honda's top brass present Alonso was sending out a message with his critical asides in the race, Dennis added: "I'm not going to condone those sort of things.
"It doesn't show the professionalism I would like all our drivers to show.
"He is in the car, he is frustrated, and his remarks to the technical staff were not a particularly constructive way to communicate with everybody.
"The way for me to deal with drivers is through the management channels of Eric [Boullier, racing director] or in certain circumstances to talk to them myself.
"But whatever I choose to do, however it is done, it remains a team matter."
Post-race, when asked directly if he would be in F1 next year even though he is in the first season of a three-year deal with McLaren-Honda, Alonso replied: "I don't know.
"There are still five races to go now and I think we need to improve the situation and make sure we are competitive and on top of our problems."
Clouding the issue, the double world champion then added: "Next year is what we are looking for and my intention is to stay and win."
Asked for his thoughts on Alonso's remarks, Dennis said: "I don't know what he means by that comment.
"I spoke to Fernando earlier today, he's got a contract, he understands the contract. I'm surprised at the comment."
Dennis could at least understand Alonso's "frustration" as he himself is disheartened by what has unfolded over the course of this year.
"Anything that's coming out of our drivers at the moment has its origins in frustration, disappointment and demotivation. Yeah, we're all demotivated," added Dennis.
"I still can't understand why everyone doesn't appreciate you're not going to win a world championship if you have a second-string engine [as a customer team]. It's just not going to happen.
"Therefore we have to go through the pain, we have to go through this learning curve and get a competitive engine.
"That's not a derogatory comment against Honda. The president of the company, the president of R&D, the president of Honda Motor Company are totally committed.
"They understand what needs to be done, they're increasing resources, putting more money and effort into it, and we will get there.
"It's just a bit painful at the moment."
Japanese GP post-race F1 press conference transcript
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