Alonso podium 'phenomenal' after Aston Martin struggles

Fernando Alonso has labelled his São Paulo Grand Prix podium as a "phenomenal" result for Aston Martin after recent struggles in F1.

The Silverstone-based outfit started the campaign as Red Bull's nearest challenger for victories but, since the summer break, has slipped back to fifth in the Constructors' standings, behind Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren.

But strong pace from Alonso and teammate Lance Stroll at Interlagos saw the duo secure third and fifth at the end of 71 laps to inject much-needed optimism back into the team.

Alonso was forced to work for the result, however, with Red Bull's Sergio Perez launching a late assault on the two-time champion. After the Mexican made his way through on the penultimate lap, the Aston Martin came roaring back past at Turn 4 on the final lap before narrowly holding on in a drag race to the finish line.

"It was like 30 laps that I had the pressure from Checo," said Alonso.

"When he passed me with two laps to the end, I thought 'ok, the podium is not possible anymore'.

"He braked too late into Turn 1 and I went for it into Turn 4. This is a phenomenal result for the team.

"We've been struggling for a couple of months, especially the last two events with two retirements, so this podium is for them, for everyone in the factory.

"We kept fighting until the last lap."

Aston Martin 'still learning'

Aston Martin had introduced a radical upgrade package at the United States Grand Prix, though Alonso reverted back to the Qatar specification following a miserable Friday and Saturday at the Circuit of the Americas.

On overcoming the struggles faced by the team in welcoming a podium finish, Alonso explained: "We are still learning about the car.

"These cars are so complex aerodynamically so we have been experimenting to find the direction for next year, without forgetting this year.

"So happy for the result, now to Vegas."