Hakkinen urges Alonso to stay patient for F1 success at McLaren-Honda
Mika Hakkinen believes Fernando Alonso must show patience to see McLaren-Honda return to winning ways, drawing on his own long wait for Formula One victory.
Mika Hakkinen has called on Fernando Alonso to show patience as McLaren-Honda works to resolve its Formula One struggles, warning that a return to the top could take years rather than months.
Speaking in April 2016, Hakkinen pointed to his own experience at McLaren, where it took him several seasons to secure a first Grand Prix win and, later, a world championship. He argued that there are no quick fixes for a team in McLaren-Honda's position, and that only sustained effort and development will yield results.
Alonso, a double world champion, left Ferrari at the end of 2014 to rejoin McLaren just as the team began its renewed partnership with Honda. The move was widely seen as a gamble, and results in 2015 and early 2016 offered little encouragement. Reliability issues and a lack of pace kept the team far from the podium.
Hamilton and Hakkinen reflect on tough choices
Lewis Hamilton, Alonso's teammate at McLaren in 2007, was asked in Berlin whether he would want to be in Alonso's place. Hamilton, who left McLaren for Mercedes at the end of 2012, replied with a clear 'No', adding that his own decision to move had proved right given Mercedes' subsequent dominance. He noted that Alonso faces a real test of morale as McLaren struggles to make progress.
Hakkinen, who won two world titles with McLaren after a long wait for his first victory, said the only solution for the team is to continue working hard. He dismissed the idea of miracles or shortcuts, insisting that development and problem-solving are the only ways forward. "Some day, things will start to go the right way," he said, but admitted the timescale is uncertain.
Alonso's challenge at McLaren-Honda
Alonso's patience has become a talking point as McLaren-Honda's struggles continue. Hakkinen questioned whether Alonso, after so many years in Formula One and with two world titles, will be able to wait for the team to become competitive again. He expressed hope that Alonso would persevere, describing him as a great driver and a great person.
The Finn's comments reflect a broader uncertainty about McLaren-Honda's route back to the front. While the team has resources and pedigree, the scale of its technical and competitive deficit in 2016 meant that any recovery would require time, consistency and, crucially, the commitment of its lead driver.
For further insight into Alonso's move from Ferrari and the challenges he faced at McLaren, seeRosberg: Alonso’s F1 Struggles at McLaren Would Be 'Hard' to Endure
