McLaren chairman Ron Dennis has admitted to being unhappy with Fernando Alonso’s criticism of the team over the radio during the Japanese Grand Prix, describing it as unhelpful.
Alonso had been running in nine when he was easily overtaken, which led him to declare the situation “embarrassing, very embarrassing”. Several laps later, locked in a battle over tenth, he was then passed again and radioed: “GP2 engine, GP2 engine, arghh”.
After the race, Dennis was asked whether Alonso’s messages has a particular motive with Honda’s top bosses present at their home race, to which he replied: “I’m not going to condone those sort of things.
“It doesn’t show the professionalism I would like all our drivers to show.
“He is in the car, he is frustrated, and his remarks to the technical staff were not a particularly constructive way to communicate with everybody.
Do I condone it, no. Will I go ballistic, no,” he added. “The way for me to deal with drivers is through the management channels of Eric [Boullier, racing director] or in certain circumstances to talk to them myself.
“But whatever I choose to do, however it is done, it remains a team matter.”
Meanwhile Dennis admitted to be confused by the Spaniard’s response to a reporter asking whether he’ll be at McLaren next season.
“I don’t know,” Alonso said. “Next year is what we are looking for and my intention is to stay and win.”
Dennis later said of Alonso’s response: “I don’t know what he means by that comment.
“I spoke to Fernando earlier today, he’s got a contract, he understands the contract. I’m surprised at the comment.”
