Fernando Alonso has stated F1 experienced “the worst show” possible after almost 20 per cent of the grid failed to take the start of the Chinese Grand Prix.
Four cars were ruled out of the race before the starting procedure, leaving just 18 cars on the grid for the opening lap.
The McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were forced to retire due to separate electrical issues, and were joined on the sidelines by Williams' Alex Albon and Audi's Gabriel Bortoleto.
Three more drivers would retire later in the race due to other reliability issues, including Alonso, whose exit was prompted by significant vibrations from the Honda power unit.
Speaking after the race, Alonso criticised the display in Shanghai on Sunday.
“Four cars didn't make the start,” Alonso told media including RacingNews365.
“So that's probably the worst show you can have.”
Prior to his retirement, Alonso was struggling with his Aston Martin-Honda, which is significantly lacking pace following a troubled pre-season period.
Alonso stated that the only sense of enjoyment comes on the opening lap, after which he is unable to fight against rival cars.
“The starts are fun - same as in Australia, the car seems to start really well,” he said.
“On lap one, it's true that we all have the same level of battery, which is full.
“Then we enter this battery world championship, and in that we are not as good as the others.”
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes, Sam Coop and Nick Golding, as they look back on the Chinese Grand Prix. The trio discuss Lewis Hamilton's praise of the new F1 regulations and Max Verstappen's striking criticism, before debating their own views!
Rather watch the podcast? Then click here!
Explore the latest F1 results and every stat you can imagine - From Max Verstappen to Michael Schumacher and from Ayrton Senna to Lewis Hamilton — explore every stat from the first Grand Prix to the latest race.
Explore the RN365 Stats HubMost read
In this article
Join the conversation!