F1: `Alonso`s showing signs of weakness`

[Rory Phoulorie]

Friday 17th August 2007

Former F1 Champ John Surtees believes Fernando Alonso's actions in Hungary are signs of a man under a great deal of pressure.

McLaren felt the brunt on the tension and rivalry between their drivers in qualifying for the Hungarian GP where first Lewis Hamilton refused to let Alonso passed on the track and then Alonso held up Hamilton in the pits.

Only Alonso, though, was penalised as the Spaniard was sent back five places on the grid for his actions and McLaren were barred from scoring Constructors' Championship points by the race stewards.

And it's the double World Champion's "petulance" that also most concerns Surtees as he believes not only could it damage McLaren and Formula One, but it also a sign of weakness from the Spaniard.

"I have always rated him very highly," Surtees said.

"But what would appear obvious is that he values a position that is akin to a number one, and that his composure is very much disturbed by the threat of another team member outperforming him.

"Whatever happened before, I was deeply concerned to see the very obvious delaying tactics which took place in the pits.

"I was concerned not only for Lewis but also for the team and our sport, and also for Alonso as he won his Championships on merit. I believe these actions show weakness rather than strength."

Explaining that statement, he added: "By showing the petulance he has, he has shown weakness, whereas with his superb record and ability it would have been far more effective in countering the Hamilton threat if he had taken the high ground, complimented Lewis on what he had done and then proceeded to channel all his energies to demonstrate what he can do on the track."

As for Championship race, Surtees believes F1 fans are in for a great battle all the way to the end, however, he does hope that the title will be decided on merit and not on gamesmanship or court actions.

"We have a championship poised with four very competitive drivers and two equally competitive teams, and three of those drivers will still be uncertain of quite who Lewis Hamilton is and what he is capable of," he said.

"That makes for an interesting rest of the season as they find out.

"All I hope is that the Championship is decided by the performance of the cars, teams and drivers on the track and not by court sessions inspired by the greed of what are basically one or two fringe would-be opportunists."


Planet-F1

[Rory Phoulorie]

Alonso should have done what Alan Jones (1980 F1 World Champ) said to do. Mistakenly shut off the car. Lewis would have been delayed for the same period by the time the pit crew got Alonso's car re-started.

Childish, yes, but sometimes you have to know how to, diplomatically, play the game.