(Motorsports news) Fernando Alonso was third in the world championship as recently as last month’s Italian GP, but following a string of disappointing weekends, he now sits fifth, trailed by Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, and George Russell. Meanwhile, Aston Martin has dropped to fifth place in the constructors’ championship but is no longer threatened from behind after being surpassed by McLaren.

Alonso had another dismal weekend in Mexico, starting 13th and then sliding back due to probable floor damage after Sergio Perez’s first corner collision. The team ultimately chose to retire the vehicle. Following a spec change, Alonso’s teammate Lance Stroll began from the pitlane and was let through by the struggling Alonso before retiring after a late collision with Valtteri Bottas.

The Spaniard acknowledges that his downward spiral in the championship table will continue. “Honestly, we are not fighting for anything,” he remarked when asked about the next race in Brazil. “Even if we have to start from the pitlane, we will learn, and you know that is more useful than just spending the weekend. In the constructors’ championship, we are firmly entrenched in our current position. We will drop a few spots in the driver’s championship.

“But, you know, it was incredible that we’re ahead of Ferraris, or George, or Lando, or whatever, but we lost those positions.” They have a really fast automobile. But let’s see what we can come up with.” Alonso remains unwavering in his belief that the team is working hard to get back on track. “We are working as much as we can,” he added.

“It’s not that we’re content with the situation. We are not in the position we would like to be in, but we are working very hard to change that. “And sometimes the difficulties teach you more than the celebrations.” So we’re having a rough time right now. “And we’re trying to run as many tests as possible and provide as much feedback to the factory in Silverstone as possible.” And, as I previously stated, I wish to finish on a good note rather than a low.”

“I think so, we still need to go to three different places, three different circuits, which will give us more data on the car,” he replied when asked if things may improve this season. “It depends on what we call a high finish.” If we believe we will compete for podiums or something similar? No, I don’t believe so. But I believe we still have a chance to finish competitively.”

Also read: Magnussen F1 crash leads the Mexico GP to be red flagged