Alonso Prefers Public Outcry Over Quiet Discussions

Alonso adopts public complaints as a strategy, believing they are more effective than private discussions.

Fernando Alonso is often seen as an outspoken driver, sometimes perhaps excessively so, as his complaints, whether warranted or not, are invariably aired in public. The Aston Martin F1 driver has revealed, unsurprisingly, that this is his tactic for achieving swift resolution on matters important to him.

“If you make your voice heard, you’ll reach a resolution much quicker,” Alonso notes. “Rather than spending five minutes talking to the person in charge because they fear negativity in the media. Sometimes we use these tactics as a shortcut.”

He notably called directly on Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the president of the FIA, to consider the penalties as he feared being unfairly targeted due to his nationality. He commends the president’s responsiveness and open-mindedness.

“I’ve spoken with him and he’s always keen to hear all drivers’ perspectives. He understands that we’re the ones driving the cars and that we can offer suggestions. There are a few issues we need to address as a sport. But he has always listened to us. Let’s see if we can make F1 a better and more consistent sport.”

At 43, Alonso has extended his Formula 1 contract and acknowledges that he will need to find new ways to enjoy more time with his loved ones: “It’s a strange thing because we are privileged, only 20 in the world driving Formula 1 cars.”

“So it makes sense that you think you would want to do this as long as you’re fast and happy but, at the same time, it takes away everything that makes you happy in your life. Some adjustments will be made, with my family coming to more races and things like that, to try and reduce the downsides.”