Alonso, “ambassador for peace” between Hamilton and Rosberg
Inducted as "ambassador for peace" between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg during the drivers' press conference, Fernando Alonso spoke about the situation. It was also an opportunity to revisit the relationships with the Briton during his time at McLaren F1.
The traditional Thursday press conference in Monza was an opportunity to witness an amusing moment when a Russian journalist asked Fernando Alonso, seated between the two Mercedes drivers, to act as a peace ambassador to pacify their relations. This new role sparked laughter among the drivers present and the audience.
The underlying issue, however, was about the relationship the Spaniard had with Lewis Hamilton during their time together at McLaren. On this matter, the double-world champion believes that the problems were mainly related to the team: « In 2007 it didn’t work out as we wanted but, as I’ve said many times, the problem was never with Lewis. We had a very professional relationship. It didn’t work out because I wasn’t happy with certain philosophies and management at the time. But I never had a problem with Lewis and it’s no surprise that we still have a good relationship today. »
On the current situation at Mercedes, Alonso has no worries: « I am sure these guys will move forward. Both of them are in a privileged position fighting for the World Championship and the sport is made up of these kinds of things. They have a rich man’s problem: fighting for the title. »
On his side, Lewis Hamilton, later questioned by Sky Sports, corroborated these remarks: « Fernando is definitely right. When you are young, you don’t always make the right decisions and don’t always say the right things, and I still don’t always say the right things today. I’m always learning, and I bet that in 10 years, I’ll look back and say I could have done better. It’s like that, and both of us [with Rosberg, ed.] are fierce competitors and we want to win, and personally, I want to win based on my abilities and fairly. »
« I’m really excited for the upcoming races and I will fight as always. It hasn’t been the easiest or most peaceful season, but I wouldn’t have done it any other way, » he concluded.
