The double world champion has blamed the British media for his image as a spoilt number 1 Formula 1 driver. O Estado de S.Paulo correspondent Livio Oricchio asked the Spaniard if it is true that all is well inside his team so long as he does not share equal status with his team-mate. "That is a belief that was created in 2007," said the Ferrari driver, referring to his ill fated single season alongside Lewis Hamilton at McLaren. "The reason was the contamination of the media, particularly the British. "I have been in Formula One for 11 years. For ten, I was the consummate professional," he explained. "Engineers, mechanics and my team-mates could not say a word against my professionalism. "But in 2007, McLaren, the English press, week after week, contaminated our relationship, which was not bad. That is what led to this general impression about me. "But nothing changes for me, my values stay the same. When I went onto the market, the offers I received were as great before and after 2007," added Alonso. Another perception is that 30 year old Alonso is enjoying a position of privilege at Ferrari due to his links with main sponsor Santander, a Spanish bank. "Good, no?" he laughed. "Everyone can talk and think what they like, it's part of the sport, the media too, especially with the Internet." Formula 1's next stop is Singapore, where Alonso won not only last year but also in 2008, when his Renault team-mate Nelson Piquet deliberately crashed to bring out the safety car. The Spaniard insists he still counts the victory among his best. "There is something about the track that suits my driving style," said Alonso. "I know it's strange to you, but the victory of 2008 is just as special as the one of last year." ---- I totally agree with this. If he was as spoilt as people make out then he wouldnt be wanted in F1. He isnt seen in bad light in other countries only here.
To be honest only gullable people believe he is spoilt. He is where he is because he is a class act driver.
Its the first time I think ive heard him talk about it. Though he does always say he had a good relationship with Lewis and his engineers in 2007
The media play a big part in making reputations but they need something to work with. And he gave them plenty. Kudos for cleaning up his act though.
I agree, I still maintain that is one of the biggest problems with Hamilton! Alonso, Button, Vettel all had spells at slow teams before winning their titles - this means that they learn to cope with not being at the front regularly. Hamilton hasnt he was brought in straight at the top and won the title in his 2nd season so didnt have to work his way up through F1 - thus when he loses he often throws the toys out of the pram. Backto the subject I dont think Alonso is nearly as bad as the BRITISH press made him out to be and Hamilton the Brit was the good guy and Alonso the baddie. yes Nando can be a bit grumpy sometimes but alot of people can - I personally think he's a decent enough guy who was picked on!! (Plus he has a hot wife... :L hahaha)
Yeah well I had no chance cause I started out with a plank of wood with two flattened roller skates nailed to it, so how do you think I feel??????
Vettel started in the Torro Rosso which had been designed by Newey and was a very good car. Vettel was as much pampered by Red Bull as Hamilton is by Mclaren.
Yes my mum had a right go at me for that, but I told her I would be WDC one day, sadly I wasted a drawer front, she has never forgiven me
I get lost on technicalities. I'm just saying that they're both as pampered from a young age as each other. Now back on topic. I think Alonso is going to win in Singapore.
