Alonso frustrated despite best grid slot of the season in Brazil

Fernando Alonso took Aston Martin into Q3 for the first time this season at the Sao Paulo GP, qualifying ninth after a lap in wet conditions. He said he believed more was available, having opted for intermediate tyres late in the session.

Alonso said the first lap on full wets was not repeatable, and that he had struggled on his second Q3 lap, with cold tyres on the first and limited deployment ready for the second. He said the weather did not intensify as he had expected, which had removed the chance of a top-five finish.

Charles Leclerc's grid penalty moves Alonso up to eighth for the race. Alonso said he preferred wet conditions for Sunday, noting that Aston Martin had struggled in dry running.