Fernando Alonso has sent an apology to Lewis Hamilton following their collision at the Belgian Grand Prix. Before this week’s Grand Prix of the Netherlands, the Spaniard said he was wrong to refer to Hamilton as an “idiot” and question his driving ability. Hamilton stated that he had not talked with Alonso but insisted that he had already put an end to the dispute.
In 2007, when Hamilton made his F1 debut, the two drivers experienced a difficult year as McLaren partners. They have since enjoyed a positive relationship on and off the track, although Alonso was enraged when Hamilton hit him at Les Combes while attempting to pass.
Over team radio, Alonso referred to Hamilton as a fool for provoking the incident and stated that the Mercedes driver only knew how to drive when starting in the lead.
Hamilton acknowledged that the situation was his fault. Alonso stated that he will speak with Hamilton at Zandvoort on Thursday, but Hamilton responded that they had not spoken. He stated, “We were standing next to each other in the TV pen, but no.” “It makes no difference to me. It does not affect me and makes no difference whatsoever.”
Hamilton had earlier in the week produced an autographed Mercedes cap with the inscription “For Fernando” for Alonso, which Mercedes displayed on social media and which was delivered to Alonso. Hamilton stated that he wished to set an example of sporting behavior.
“The headgear was merely a playful addition. Sometimes it’s good to have fun with these things,” he remarked. “I am always striving to become a better driver since I am aware that there are a large number of young children who are observing my actions, and I must provide a good example.”
Sebastian Vettel, the four-time F1 winner, too deemed Alonso’s words reprehensible. “We are aware that radio transmissions are public, and I believe that was a pretty rude remark,” he stated. “Lewis is one of the most honest racers on the track; I don’t believe he intended to be unfair and simply made a mistake. We all make mistakes, even Fernando sometimes makes blunders.”
However, Alonso did give tribute to Hamilton, emphasized his admiration for him, and stated that his words were an overreaction made in the heat of the moment that had been exaggerated. “None of what I claimed is accurate, and there are facts that demonstrate the contrary. I have no issues whatsoever with Lewis. “I hold him in the highest regard,” he remarked. “He is a champion and a living legend.
“When you say something negative about a British driver, there is a massive media response, but I apologize still. I do not consider what I just said. The intensity of the moment, the adrenaline of the moment, and finally competing for the top two and top three positions caused me to make inappropriate remarks.”
The Alpine driver, who will race for Aston Martin in the upcoming season, criticized F1 for solely airing radio messages that would generate controversy.
“In football and tennis, you have private moments with your team,” he explained. “I am aware it is part of the act. As previously stated, all radio broadcasts have a touch of spice because the sport seeks to inject excitement into the event.”
