Ferrari have moved to deny any ‘bad blood’ between their drivers resulting from Fernando Alonso’s move on Felipe Massa in the pit entry.
Some media outlets have reported of tension between the two drivers because of the move which was seen by many as racing, but by others as disrespectful, considering they are teammates.
On the Ferrari website, a statement reads: “Some news outlets used some statements by Felipe Massa after the Chinese GP, which were somehow taken out of context: obviously someone is trying to create bad blood between the two drivers after Fernando Alonso’s overtaking manoeuvre of his teammate at the pit lane entrance on lap 19.
“Furthermore both drivers were very clear after the race: this episode won’t change anything at all regarding the relationship between the two. Felipe and Fernando are travelling back to Europe on the same flight, together with the Scuderia’s technicians.”
A spokesperson for the Maranello based team confirmed the incident was simply part of racing, and that both drivers know how to behave on track.
“What happened yesterday with Fernando overtaking Felipe was just an episode in a race and it should be treated as such. Our drivers know how to behave on the track and they have shown it also this time.
“Naturally both want to win and they both bring fighting spirit to the races, while respecting a very simple rule: the team’s well-being is of more importance than the individual’s well-being.”