Luca di Montezemolo has explained the reasoning behind his public criticism of Fernando Alonso following certain comments the Spaniard made after the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Alonso, when asked by one reporter what he’d like for his birthday, responded “someone else’s car”.
That comment earned him a public telling off by president Di Montezemolo who said such comments “are no use to anyone”.
Explaining the reasoning behind the statement in more detail, he added: “Fernando has given a lot in these last years and his disappointment, which came about mainly after Silverstone, where all of us expected to more competitive, is understandable.” Montezemolo told Corriere della Sera.
“But I didn’t like some attitudes, a few words, some outbursts and I said so. I reminded everyone, including the drivers, that Ferrari comes before everything, the priority is the team.”
Whilst he understands his frustrations, he fired another warning shot in Alonso’s direction, adding: “Drivers, we’ve had a lot, some very good, some great, but drivers come and go, while Ferrari remains.
“Fernando is a great driver and I understand him, he is a bit like me; he wants to win. He must just remember that one wins and loses together and for its part, Ferrari must give him a car capable of starting from the front two rows…It doesn’t sit well with me seeing our car is not competitive. That’s why I intervened, even if I didn’t want to abuse my authority over my men.
“Our fans should never be forgotten, they deserve respect and therefore they are entitled to get satisfaction. We must work for Ferrari and for them. Let me make it clear that it’s Ferrari I’m interested in.”
