When two of Formula 1's leading stars clash, it often takes a seasoned veteran to play mediator – and this time, Fernando Alonso has stepped into the spotlight.
With tensions boiling between George Russell and Max Verstappen ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the two-time world champion offered a thoughtful defense of the Mercedes driver while subtly redirecting attention to the broader issue of F1's inconsistent penalties.
The latest feud began in Qatar, where Verstappen accused Russell of lying to the stewards to sway their decision in an impeding case involving the Red Bull driver in qualifying, which led to the latter being stripped of pole position to his rival's benefit.
Russell retaliated by claiming Verstappen threatened to “put me on my f***ing head in the wall,” to which Verstappen responded by labeling Russell a “backstabber” and “loser.”
It's a war of words that you have escalated beyond the track, and Alonso, always one to see the big picture, believes it's time to cool things down.
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Speaking to the media on Thursday, the Spaniard brushed aside Verstappen's criticism of Russell's character and instead praised the Mercedes driver.
“No, I don't think so,” Alonso said, addressing Verstappen's remarks about Russell's alleged dishonest persona.
“I think George is a great driver, great person. I'm a good friend of George as well. “I don't think that he's showing different faces here and there.”
For Alonso, the real source of frustration lies not in the drivers' comments but in the inconsistencies of stewarding decisions, which he believes fuel tensions on and off the track. “
“I think it's more about what Max probably agrees with me that I said many times, that some of the penalties are a little bit not consistent in terms of, you know, if you have that one episode in Qatar and then you go to the next event and you replicate exactly the same episode, which you can replicate by yourself,” he explained.
“You can induce that episode driving, then you don't get the same result in terms of penalties.”
Alonso's comments reflect a growing sentiment among drivers that penalties for similar incidents can vary widely depending on the weekend or the stewards involved.
It's a frustration that has led to heightened emotions – and, in some cases, public disputes – between drivers.
“So, that's the frustration that we sometimes have,” Alonso admitted. “But recently we changed the race director, we also changed some of the people in the stewards' room.
“So, hopefully all those changes are for good and to improve this consistency that we are asking.”
New F1 race director Rui Marques.
Alonso, who has seen nearly everything in his storied F1 career, urged patience with the new Race Director Rui Marques and the revamped stewarding team. While acknowledging the current shortcomings, I have struck an optimistic tone about the future.
“So we need to give them a little bit of time as well. And hopefully, here and next year, we have a more consistent and better outcomes,” I concluded.
In a paddock teeming with rivalry and egos, Alonso's voice of reason is a reminder of the perspective that comes with experience.
As the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix looms, all eyes will be on the Russell-Verstappen rivalry, but perhaps Alonso's call for unity—and consistent officiating—will provide some much-needed calm in the storm.
At least for now, it's clear the Spaniard hasn't lost his knack for navigating the complexities of the F1 world, both on and off the track.
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