Fernando Alonso has criticised the Formula 1 broadcast of the Japanese Grand Prix, claiming that his comments over the radio were taken out of context.
The legendary Spaniard enjoyed a positive start to the Japanese Grand Prix, capitalising on a chaotic opening lap to jump up to sixth place before settling into a rhythm.
Unfortunately for Alonso, he wasn’t allowed to stay in this rhythm for long with the team dragging him into the pit lane for a change of tyres on lap 11.
With those stopping after him closing up on their fresher tyres and Lewis Hamilton making his way past, Alonso appeared frustrated over the team radio, stating: “You have thrown me to the lions by stopping that early mate. Unbelievable.”
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Addressing his comments to Autosport after the race, Alonso said: “I think it’s the same classic theme, the classic FOM radio, completely out of context.
“I’m not sure exactly what other drivers say when they are behind a car that is slower and on the straight, they are pulling away even when you open the DRS.
“Maybe they say, ‘I’m okay, I’m happy to stay here and to stay behind’. But I prefer to be motivated, to overtake them. On track, as I said, I was slower even with the DRS open.
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“So I called for a different strategy, we stopped, we beat them. So that’s the way we do it. We beat everyone on track, even if the radio is the highlight.”
He then added: “I was upset because the first stop I think it was too early. I didn’t argue. I knew that we stopped too early. And it’s not a problem. Sometimes we benefit.”
Aston Martin’s pace at Suzuka wasn’t in the same ballpark as rivals McLaren, Mercedes and Ferrari, but Alonso still managed to finish best of the rest outside of the top four teams.
Unfortunately, a double podium for McLaren means that the Woking-based team are now just 49 points behind Aston Martin with six rounds of the season remaining, and with the current level of their performances, Zak Brown’s team will fancy their chances of usurping Alonso and Lance Stroll’s tally.
“I was upset because the first stop I think it was too early. I didn’t argue. I knew that we stopped too early. And it’s not a problem. Sometimes we benefit.”
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