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Fernando Alonso conceded the emotional strain of his final race for Ferrari took its toll on him before he even started Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in which he finished ninth.
The result, in a race that carried double points for the first time, not only cost Ferrari a chance to claim third place in the constructors’ championship ahead of Williams, but also demoted the two-time champion Spaniard to sixth in the drivers’ standings.
Ferrari also completed a winless season – their first since 1993.
“It was emotional. The worst moment was on the grid, when I jumped in the car. We fired up the engine and the mechanics stayed there with the blankets for the last minute, with 20 seconds to go,” said Alonso.
“I saw the faces of the guys with the two front tyres and they were looking at me with eyes shining and it was tough. It was tough to put it in first gear and start the formation lap.
“I will miss the team. I will miss the guys but, when you join a new project, it’s because you think it is better.”
Alonso’s Ferrari teammate Kimi Raikkonen said he was not surprised that Ferrari struggled for pace in the season finale.
He out-qualified Alonso for only the third time this season, but was passed by him early in the race and inherited 10th when Nico Rosberg suffered mechanical problems in his Mercedes.
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