Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button returned McLaren to the podium in Brazil ... albeit after both had been eliminated from the opening qualifying session.
McLaren saw both cars eliminated from Q1 for the eighth time of the season at Interlagos, with Alonso losing power early in the session and Button only beating the Manor drivers. Alonso made light of the situation by finding a nearby deckchair to watch the remainder of Q1 in the heavy Sao Paulo sun and the Spaniard's laid back attitude clearly rubbed off on Button when he returned to the paddock.
Alonso and Button, who won all of their combined three world championships at the Interlagos circuit, managed to sneak on to the podium and wave for the cheering fans in the opposite grandstand.
"We've just been on the podium," Button said later. "We thought we'd jump on the podium because its been a while for both of us. I'm not sure if we're going to be in trouble for that but it was a lot of fun -- the most fun I've had all weekend!"
McLaren posted a picture of the pair on the podium, declaring confidently both men will be back there for real in the near future.
Thanks for the support, guys. We'll be back up here one day soon. #BelieveInMcLarenHonda #BrazilGP pic.twitter.com/Izqvtf2121
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) November 14, 2015It is the same podium Button stood on after winning the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix, the last time McLaren tasted victory in Formula One.