Fernando Alonso apologized on Thursday for calling Lewis Hamilton a stupid after their collision at last weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, stating that his words were exaggerated.
In a broadside heard by a worldwide television audience, the two-time world champion had also said on team radio that the Mercedes driver only understood how to start and drive in first position.
Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, is Formula One’s all-time most successful driver with 103 victories; some of his most dramatic victories came after he battled back through the pack.
Alonso, of Alpine, acknowledged to reporters before to this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort that his first-lap outburst had caused a significant stir.
“First and foremost, Lewis is a champion and an icon of our time. And then, and I apologize for repeating this, when you say anything about a British driver, there is a massive media response “he continued.
“They have said many things to Checo (Red Bull’s Sergio Perez), Carlos (Sainz, of Ferrari), and myself. They say something to a Latino driver, and everything becomes somewhat more enjoyable.
“When communicating with others, the tone is somewhat more serious. However, I do apologize. I did not think about what I said.”
Alonso said that he had tremendous respect for Hamilton, his rookie colleague at McLaren during the turbulent 2007 season, and that he had no issues with him.
“It is something you say in the heat of the moment, but what I said is not true. There are facts that are diametrically opposed “he added.
Alonso then visited with Hamilton to apologize in person, as shown by an Instagram photo of the two drivers standing together with Alonso clutching a Mercedes hat autographed by Hamilton.
“Yes, it’s mine,” the caption reads. Hamilton had uploaded a picture of the headgear with the inscription “To Fernando” earlier in the week.
Alonso related his remarks to something shouted to a teammate after a heavy tackle during a soccer match and said he would be more circumspect in the future.
“I shall attempt to remain silent on the radio at all times and avoid participating in shows with which I disagree,” he stated.
“I realize that all radio broadcasts are often a little provocative since the sport tries to inject a little spice into the competition.
“Unfortunately, the only way to avoid publicizing things in the heat of the moment is to remain silent at all times.”
Reuters