Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsMcLaren

Lack of motivation claims absurd - Alonso

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Fernando Alonso says that claims he has been lacking motivation in the past couple of years could not be further from the truth.

The Spaniard has endured a tough period since the end of 2014, finding himself as a mere 'also ran' in Formula 1 since switching his allegiance to an uncompetitive McLaren-Honda outfit in 2015 while watching his former team Ferrari ramp up its performance.

In Bahrain, Sky Sports F1 pundit Johnny Herbert publicly questioned the two-time world champion's motivation and drive, suggesting he should call it a day and retire from the sport with immediate effect.

Herbert's comments floated to Alonso's ears and the Spaniard confronted the former British driver on air, saying telling him in no uncertain terms that "you were never world champion which is why you are a commentator".

"The truth is I don’t know how on earth people can think I’m not motivated," Alonso explained in an interview with Spanish newspaper AS.

"In 2012 I fought for the championship until the last moment. In 2013 I finished second, in 2014 I scored triple the amount of points of Kimi Raikkonen, and in 2015 I was pushing the car in Hungary to reach the pitlane.

"So you can say I’m slow, I’m old, I’m ugly, but you can't say I’m not motivated. It makes no sense."

Alonso also pointed to his willingness to race after his massive crash in Melbourne, and which sidelined the McLaren driver in Bahrain, as a token of his motivation.

"I had a pneumothorax, two broken ribs and I was asking the FIA to let me drive the car. And this guy says I'm not motivated? It’s absurd ."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.