Alonso said: “Teamwork, that’s all”

Fernando Alonso, the winner of the German Grand Prix, faces controversy. The instructions given to Felipe Massa have led the Spanish driver to say that, above all, they are both employees of the Italian team. By the early evening, this race incident was sanctioned by the World Motor Sport Council with a fine of $100,000 in view of articles 39.1 and 151c of the regulations. The FIA has already announced that this case will be thoroughly examined by the same World Council as soon as possible.

Alonso can still boast of having climbed to the top step of the podium, but for that, Massa had to let him take the lead following a radio conversation with his engineer. Here’s what Rob Smedley said to the Brazilian driver: “Fernando is faster than you. Can you confirm you understood this message?” At the end of the race, Smedley even apologized by radio to his driver.

During the race, Alonso found himself behind Massa, tailing him very closely. Thus, on the 20th lap, clinging to the rear wing of the Brazilian driver, the Spaniard was expressing his displeasure with hand gestures, criticizing Massa’s lack of pace. In communication with the pit wall, Alonso even went so far as to say “this is ridiculous,” yet he was unable to overtake his teammate.

During the post-race press conference, the Spanish driver dodged questions, preferring to repeat that both drivers did what the team asked: «We tried to run our race, we tried to do as well as we could… We are professional drivers and we try to work as a team and we try to do our best every day… Not only here on the track, but also during the race, as well as at the factory, and during race preparations. Again, I think we’ve done a good job over the last two races, today we had a very good Sunday and a very good result. I think we are happy with that and that’s the most important thing. Everything else is for you journalists, it’s an opportunity for you to write all these things.»

He adds: “We always try to put on a show for the spectators. As Felipe said, we work for companies, we work for teams, and sometimes we’ve even seen collisions between teammates this year. Today Ferrari leaves with 42 points in the pocket. That’s why we’re here.”

For his part, Massa shows a certain discomfort when talking about the race, he states: “What matters is the team’s result.”

Regarding the victory that was within reach, he adds: “Of course, you always want to win, that’s what drives you to race… What is certain is that we don’t have team orders within the team. When you can race, you go for it, but if you can’t race, you have to think about the team.”

The Brazilian stated that he was not worried about his image following the controversy: Of course not. I am very professional and I have shown throughout my career that I am. When you are a professional, you work for your company, you do what you have to do. I am a professional and today I believe that I have proven just how much I truly am.

The “Massa-cre” game of the Scuderia is necessarily downplayed by the Ferrari drivers. Even Massa does not forget that he is under contract and that his future is tied to his employer.

A competitor eager for victories, can they be satisfied with such a situation? Will this race event be the starting point for an unexpected upheaval in F1?

Massa might want a change of scenery as early as next season given the treatment he has endured, despite still being under contract.

Indeed, if the Brazilian were to stay with Ferrari, he would forever be labeled as driver No. 2, despite having already fought the tough battle for the world title.

In the top teams, transfers seemed locked in for the next season, but if Massa were to leave, we could witness a game of musical chairs. Let’s recall the Scuderia’s strong interest in Kubica. And since contracts are made to be broken, let’s bet that the F1 Circus still has many surprises in store for us.

Starting with the FIA’s decision, which could set an example despite Ferrari’s legendary name.