Fernando Alonso has been publicly warned about his conduct by Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo for his recent comments to the press following the Hungarian Grand Prix.
The Spaniard, when asked what he’d like for his birthday, replied: “someones else’s car”, before further criticising the teams upgrades which have so far failed to improve the F138.
A statement released by Ferrari said it didn’t condone the unhelpful words, before Montezemolo added his opinion on the matter.
“There is a need to close ranks, without giving in to rash outbursts that, while understandable in the immediate aftermath of a bad result, are no use to anyone.
“That was a reference to the latest comments from Fernando Alonso, which did not go down well with Montezemolo, nor with anyone in the team.
“So, when Montezemolo called the Spaniard this morning to wish him a happy birthday, he also tweaked his ear.”
The statement went on to quote part of the Ferrari president’s conversation with Alonso.
“All the great champions who have driven for Ferrari have always been asked to put the interests of the team above their own,” the Ferrari president told his driver. “This is the moment to stay calm, avoid polemics and show humility and determination in making one’s own contribution, standing alongside the team and its people both at the track and outside it.”
Ferrari has struggled to maintain the development pace required to challenge for race wins, but believes a breakthrough isn’t far off and recently confirmed the appointment of former Lotus technical chief James Allison.
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