Not Fernando's finest hour

There is not much to add to my report on yesterday's unpleasant press conference.

Fernando really does dislike/hate Lewis with a passion. That is the only conclusion one can draw from his remarks, which don't make much sense in any other context. This all goes back, as we all know, to last season when Fernando was involved in using Ferrari technical information obtained illegally by McLaren, when he found it very difficult to cope with Lewis's pace and what he saw as the team's preference for Lewis and when he tried to force Ron Dennis to slow Lewis down.

In the end Fernando resorted to extraordinary measures - telling Dennis he would go to the FIA to reveal his possession of Ferrari secrets - if McLaren would not let him have his way. Make no mistake Fernando's behaviour last season, in albeit difficult circumstancs, was appalling and he was rightly sent packing by the team with a gagging clause to boot.

Despite all that, Fernando is a great guy. He is warm, friendly, charismatic, very proud of his roots in Oviedo and justly proud of his achievements. Many people in the paddock - especially the ones that really know what they are talking about - believe he is the best driver out there. Fast, tactically brilliant and rock solid under pressure.

In recent months Fernando has struggled with Renault to haul a mediocre car up the grid and he and they have done a great job. In recent weeks, Fernando has reminded us, once again, of his sublime talents and most of us have immensely enjoyed watching him win two races, back-to-back. All of this has been to Fernando's great credit.

This is why it is so disappointing to see him let himself down and, of course, remind us of what we had put to the back of our minds - his conduct last year. Fernando can say what he likes but I personally do not believe he will look back on this and be proud of himself. This is bad sportsmanship pure and simple and it was unpleasant to witness.

Comments

[Mr. Gómez]

Hello Ed.
This is my last comment on your blog. I understand that you try to get a neutral point of view of what happened last year in McLaren, but it's hard, isn't it? What a pity ...

[Lucas]

I wonder where are those that said that "Fernando Alonso will never win a race again".

We are talking about a team that was fined in $100 millions for CHEATING. There is no point in assuming that such team has told the truth about what really happened between Fernando and them. The fact is that we do not have Fernando's version of the whole thing. He said, more than once, that Ron Denis is a liar. I believe him. Ron Denis lied about the whole spy thing, why not lying about Fernando? Frankly, stop being so partial...

[todd]

ahh you cant hang him out to dry for not liking the guy. there's plenty of reasons besides last year's dramas.

lewis has crashed into the back of him this year and also touched wheels in fuji.

his mates are robert and massa so of course he prefers them to win than hamilton. even i'd be saying what he said in the interviews and i used to really hate alonso. (think he's become nicer in the last year or so.)

[hitori_de_aruku]

"This could have been an opportunity for some to say, perhaps, that they have nothing against Hamilton, that he is a good guy who has done a lot for the sport and so on. But after a long gap during which none of the drivers said anything, they each conspicuously passed up the opportunity."
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/formula_1/article4958066.ece

Hi Ed,
answering together to your post and article in the paper, you are right that the three drivers passed the opportunity to bury animosity. But absolutely the same happened with Hamilton's response:

"All this won't affect my way of driving. What others say is not my problem" (translated from ELPAIS)

While Fernando's animosity is taken for granted and is not likely to change in the years to come, the comments for Robert, Glock, and others stem from a more objective judgment. And Hamilton has a lot to gain by listening and giving a thought to what they have to say.

I completely agree that Fernando is putting himself down by permanently showing his personal dislikes (we all have some, we just don't need to put them on the table at any chance). However, I put a big blame on Spanish media and its pro-Fernando-anti-Lewis partisanship. In all interviews they ask about Lewis, and the journalists themselves tend to have unrespectful words toward Lewis seeking Fernando's concurrence. If you put this in a friendly and ultra-pro-Alonso atmosphere, it is sometimes difficult for Alonso to end the interview without letting some potential headlines for international media. As a Spanish living abroad and feeding in both Spanish and international media, when I hear interviews to Fernando I many times think "morons, you don't know the bad image you are creating for the guy." Actually I think Fernando handles them relatively well (escaping many, though not enough, pitfalls).

And this goes not only with Alonso, even when they talk to PdLR, they seem to expect the same kind of quotes and agreement from Lewis' team mate.

I think Spanish media don't really understand the huge impact that certain comments can have in the internet era. More so if they are quoted out of context, as is frequently the case.

Regarding your post, I'm not sure why you write 6 paragraphs pointing out Fernando words (see here other drivers comments http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/081015090635.shtml)

I think that one of your (great) blog's biggest success comes from the Alonso-Hamilton rivalry. And you seem to handle it wisely, once a while granting us with pro-Alonso, anti-Alonso, pro-Lewis, anti-Lewis posts that fuel comments and discussion on the blog. I praise you for that, but I sometimes perceive more the hand of a highly skillful journalist rather than your sincere opinion.

All in all, kudos to you, calm to the drivers, and let's see a great WDC finale.

[A Parker]

I must say Ed, you are a tad confusing. On the one hand you say Alonso did all those repugnant things last season at McLaren, and describe him leading the bullying fest at the press conference and then you call him a great guy. Sorry, he may be a good driver, but calling Alonso a great guy is incongruous and inaccurate. Words fail me at how disgusted and angry I am at this behaviour from Alonso and some of the other drivers. I am glad that the Daily Mail asked the questions about jealousy and turning on Lewis. That is what journalists are supposed to do: ask the questions that are relevant and pertinent for the readership of newspapers. I feel so much anger but I am unable to use the words that I would really like to as they wouldn’t be published. Sorry Ed, you can’t admire a guy like Alonso – his personality stinks to high heaven (and he’s not alone).

[Javier]

Dear Ed, do not over react, please.
I think ALO is a great driver (you think so), and that he sometimes is not very "on spot" with his comments. He does not like to loose, and does not loose well.

But this time you have overreacted. Every, every, every (did I say every) driver has him favourite drivers. Everyone one prefers to see one or the other winning. Even HAM would prefer seeing RAI win over ALO (for example). And if they say that the don't they are lying.

In a press conference, if asked, they might be polite and say that they don't care who wins. Only to be polite.
In this case ALO just said his preferences: 1st Kubica 2nd Massa 3rd Hamilton. Plain and simple, and understable. He has his preferences and he told us. Hi simply was sincere. Maybe HAM would have said that he doesn't care, but he would be lying to be politically correct.

Make your choice, sincere over polite. But it was not that bad.

[Anon]

I read the transcripts. I don't think he said anything wrong. He wouldn't comment on Lewis's driving. He says he wants to finish behind Massa to take points off of Hamilton. It's not like he wants to ram him off the road.

And, you know what, I think drivers have a right to be ticked off at the guy who rams Red Bulls off of the track in fear that he might get overtaken and totally blows up because he gets overtaken. They hae a right to ask for some reapect. I mean, Red Bull aren't that slow...

[A Parker]

Mr Gomez, I recommend the blog at 'Marca'. Adios.

Hey Ed, you can't please Hamilton fans and you can't please Alonso fans...

[Scarlet]

Fernando is making himself look like a bully and yet people find that acceptable.Shows how disgusting some can be.

[Haas]

Thanks Ed for reminding us "Mc Laren's" version of the story. I wonder why Alonso never spoke about the entire fiasco which almost ruined his career. What has Mc Laren got to hide that they make it a point in Alonso's contract to not allow him to speak about last year's incidents?

Frankly all Alonso did was reiterate his support for his buddies fighting for the world championship.

Like he said in the interview "you can misunderstand what I say all you want". Turns out ppl are doing a really good job at it.

[Anon]

Ed, Ed, Ed...

It is very easy to sum up last year the way you did. Since your version is so biased against Alonso, here's mine:

Fernando is this year rooting against his former teammate and former team for the simple reason that his former teammate and former team rooted against him last year. Even the team managed plainly admitted to supporting one driver over the other. This was bad sportsmanship pure and simple and it was unpleasant to witness. Fernando got involved in a spy-scandal because of a fight his teammate started. He lost his cool for a bit and within minutes APOLOGIZED to his team boss. Unfortunately, his team boss had already lost his cool. But it must be noted that:

1.) If Lewis Hamilton had NOT disobeyed team orders in Hngary
2.) that if a complaint was NOT compiled against Fernando by Lewis's father (I believe it was him)
3.) THEN: McLaren-Mercedes would have a reigning champion named Fernando Alonso, who would have defeated his honorable rookie teammate in an honorable fashion
and
4.) McLaren-Mercedes would be the world champions right now.

Lewis took his opportunity in Hungary. His message was simlpe: screw Fernando. I'm the man I will win for you.

Which would ave been fine, except he threw Fernando's and more importantly, McLaren's title chances out the window for his own pleasure of winning, which he ultimately failed to do.

Must we criticize Fernando for JUST SAYING he'll throw out Lewis's and McLaren's title chances for his own pleasure?

Of course Fernando hates Lewis. Of course Lewis dislikes Fernando. If Lewis had kept his cool in Hungary, Alonso would be retired and be respected by all. Lewis denied Fernando that and didn't even deliver himself to make up for it.

Some might ask why Fernando then lost his cool in Hungary.

The better question was: why shouldn't he? If Lewis was going to go all out against Fernando and McLaren was going to sit and do nothing, shouldn't Fernando be allowed to go all out?

Sure, he went on overblast. Remember, if Dennis hadn't lost his cool, we would not squat about this. Nothing.

And I'm only referring to one GP in which Fernando had to face both Lewis and McLaren.

It is disgusting and unsporting that last year Lewis said he was treated unfairly in Monaco, where his teammate got pole, fastest lap, and victory and where overtaking is impossible. It is disgraceful and unsporting that McLaren burned Fernnado's tires in the Chinese qualifying. It is so painfully obvious that they did that, considering that Fernando's race pace was much, much better than anybody else's the next day. Just that would have made McLaren have a champ again.

Lewis/McLaren did all of this against him. And now you guys drop your moths at the fact that he said, heck, I want Felipe to win?
(Be reminded that Felipe and Fernnado aren't best of friends. hat if Fernando said he wanted Lewis to win? Don't think as many headlines would pop up.)

Personally, I don't think Fernando should have made those comments. He told them to his national media, much like Lewis tells his media nobody overtakes him and that Fernando is an example of what not to do.

Fernnado said that he'd do that- whether he would is a completely different matter. And he won't do much except waste Lewis's time if Lewis has to overtake him, whch would be fair. I think he's been smoking the fumes of his engine or something. It's all talk, and the fact that the media picks up on it so much says more about them than it does about Lewis, Fernando, or McLaren.

(To be noted: these are Fernando's worst passages: hardly hate filled.

Q: (Chinese media) Fernando, you said earlier this week you would do your best to help Felipe win the world championship. Could I ask in which aspects in detail, what you will do? By the way, my home city is the sister city of Oviedo.
FA: Very good. Obviously I was asked this question. When I said this in Fuji what I meant is that now we have a competitive car it seems that we are able to fight sometimes with Ferrari and McLaren and first of all we need to have a competitive, hard car here in Shanghai and Brazil to be fighting with Ferrari and McLaren. If we do that and Felipe wins the race and I can be second or third I will be happy to help Felipe to take as many points as possible and this is the only approach.

...

Q: (Jon McEvoy - The Daily Mail) Fernando, you said to AS on Sunday that although you hadn’t seen what Lewis did at the start of the race you agreed with what the stewards did. Can you explain that?
FA: I saw it as I was just behind them.

Q: (Jon McEvoy - The Daily Mail) It is just to AS you said that you didn’t see it but you agreed with it anyway?
FA: Sometimes what you read in newspapers is wrong.

Q: (Jon McEvoy - The Daily Mail) So would you like to see Lewis win as much as the other two drivers?
FA: We can be here forever and you cannot misunderstand what I say, you know. When we say all these things, my best relationship for example is with Robert. I would like to see him winning the championship but I know this is quite difficult because I think the performance of his car etc it will be difficult to recover 12 points. I will do my own race but after all, when you finish the race and see the results, you prefer some drivers to win or some teams to win compared to others but I don’t think that I will be a key part of the championship. Whatever driver wins will win because he won the last two races or did a better job than the other one, so that’s all. You can take whatever you can from my comment but it is very simple.

...

Q: (Ian Parkes - The Press Association) Do Fernando or Kimi feel anything about Lewis’s driving this season, that perhaps it’s been a bit over the edge?
KR: No comment.
FA: No comment.

...

Q: (Jon McEvoy - The Daily Mail) To all drivers other than Lewis: do you think there’s a feeling among the drivers that you are jealous or envious of the fact that Lewis at the moment is leading the drivers’ standings and also that wherever you go he seems to be the biggest star?
RK: I’m pretty happy with what I’m doing, so I’m fine.
FA: I’m very happy.
KR: I’m happy with my life, I wouldn’t change it.

Number of times Fernnado mentions '07: 0
Number of times Fernnado brings up Lewis of his own accord: 0
Number of times Fernando brings up McLaren: 0
Number of times Fernando says he is jealous, hurt, and angry: 0
Number of times Fernnado stands up, rips his Renault shirt off, and bellows while pounding his chest: "I'm gonna ram him off track into Turn 1 and then we'll see who win the WDC then! MUHAHAHAHAHAHHA!"

If anyone was P.O.ed during that debae, it was McEvoy. Rejoice Ed, considering how desperate John is in his attempts to be able to make stories to write about you should have less competition coming up.

I would also like to point out this quote from Fernando:

"... but I don’t think that I will be a key part of the championship. Whatever driver wins will win because he won the last two races or did a better job than the other one, so that’s all."

Pig.

(PS: I don't want another '07 conversation. Mr. GOrman expressed the Hamilton view of '07, I expressed the Alonsoist view. We've done it a gaillion times, we end on an angry stalemate that both sides claim to have won, and then we settle down more or less with chests heaving. Let's skip that part. I will, for the most part.)

[Anon]

Oh, and just so that people don't laugh at me after this happens:

I am SURE that Lewis will wrap up the title in Shanghai. Last time the media went hard on him was before Silverstone, and Lewis is due in for an amazing performance. he will deliver it. He is already fastest in FP1.

[Bog]

Hello Ed
I understand your remark about bad sportmanship and that the moment was probably unpleasant to witness, but as you've already said the problem was with what wasn't said, rather then said.
Having reached this point I'd argue that what Lewis declared during that much publicised interview, about his "balls", was more unpleasant than the above.
Don't you think so?

[Anon]

To end on a lighter note:

Shanghai is one of my favorite circuits. There is a lot of overtaking there, I believe. Turn 1 should welcome a thrilling start much like TUrn 1 in Belgium, Hungary, or Japan did this year. I also think a WDC will be settled today.

[Aaron James]

Alonso was, as we say in Britain, taking the piss.

He was making fun of the journalists as much as anything. If you look at what he actually says, at no point does he say he will move over for a Felipe or a Robert or anything.

Only that if he happens to be behind a Massa or a Robert he will happily take points away from Lewis behind him 'helping' those two guys.

I doubt it Lewis is first, Alonso second he will let anyone past him either. He will just not be so 'happy' about it.

He's playing with the British press and he knows just how to pull their chain now.

[LORD ZEUS]

I don't know what's wrong with what he said, everyone has their favorites and he'd like to retain the YOUNGEST EVER WDC title.
So it's logical that he'd want Massa to win this year, Lewis can wait another.

Now regarding the Hungary episode where he supposedly black mailed Dennis, you have to remember that Lewis CHEATED him first and broke their intra team agreement, causing Fernando to retaliate.
He felt cheated at McLaren.

And before anyone says Lewis didn't cheat because he didn't break any FIA rules, let me tell you the meaning of the word cheating " To gain an unfair advantage" and that's what he got when he took the extra lap.

[Gary M]

Balls to them all.

I think that Massa will be the one who succumbs to the pressure and fail to score any points on Sunday. Lewis Hamilton will win the WC this weekend and let his driving do the talking.

(Edit Moderator) This guy is the real deal and people had better get used to it.

I admired Kubica alot until recently, since the events of last year I have not had anything bad to say about Alonso. I have talked up my like for Massa since early this season and while everyone else was writing him off. So don't anyone dare tell me my views are a result of a blinkered support of Lewis or McLaren. I am prepared to give anyone a fair deal. But the events of the last few weeks have made me want Lewis Hamilton to win this championship and silence everyone more than ever.

I would like to think that anybody with any kind of real appreciation for this sport would be happy to see LH win the championship this year. Like it or not he is clearly the best driver/car combination on the grid and will win this championship despite the best efforts of the FIA to try and stop him.

I might even go to Church tomorrow and see if it works for Lewis.

[Tom]

Ed

You would be amazed at just how many Spaniards dislike Alonso Lloronso (cry-baby) as they call him. He is not Mr universally popular even in Spain.

I live in Spain and speak fluent Spanish. I never once read a positive comment in the Spanish press about Hamilton and I read plenty of lies, propaganda and distortions of the truth. Whereas in the British press I have read many times (including in your blog) how superb a driver Alonso is, how decent a chap he is et cetera.

There we go. The one country has a press that could best be described as low level propaganda immune to national criticism, the other has a free press capable of objective opinion. That is why so many ill-informed Spaniards populate your blog. They want us to see the error of our ways - ha ha ha.

Hamilton is going to do it this year despite the pressures and in the process he is going to make a whole lot of Spaniards green with envy and loathing. And none more green and frothing at the mouth than paleto Lloronso..

[Tom]

Mr Gomez

Goodbye and thank you very much.

For neutral views may I recommend you try the Spanish comic Marca...

[Rafa]

Edward, I won't discuss as it is your British point of view...

[Anon]

Lewis is stuck in a trap (no, not a gravel trap).

I have noticed some are pointing out that the drivers' hatred of Lewis is reminiscent of the one Schumi and Senna faced.

Some argue that the drivrs hate him because he is that much better. They cannot come to terms with someone who is that much better.

The argument makes sense- Lewis has many parallels with Senna. Both love rain, Monaco, are charismtic, and were remarkable from day 1. Some even smaller details are shared by both- both have lost a win because of cutting a chicane, both have been taken out by a title rival at a chicane in Japan, both have fallen out with their teammates at McLaren, etc.

So that is one argment.

The other argument is tat the drivers hate Lewis he 1.) is overconfident 2.) has the world wooing over him and 3.)started his career in murky water, with the 2007 events.

Both could work. It's like a chicken and egg question.

I believe the latter.

Lewis is hated primarily when he wins. Understandably. Drivers hate it when they are beaten, but then seeing Lewis go into a press conference and have Ian Parkes lick his toes about Senna and how amazing he is must drive drivers crazy. Fernando must think- am I Senna for my races in Hungary '06 and Nurburgring '07? Why don't I get credit? Why don't they praise me like that? Kimi must be annoyed by the fact that people like Ecclestone deny his merits and say he hurts the sport. Robert dislikes Lewis because Lewis is all about glitz and glamor and Robert is more of a hermetic person who needs nothing in life (something I greatly admire in him).

So the press have a lot to do with inflating Lewis. Whatever Lewis said about himself and what the press say about him becomes entangled and we forget who mentioned Senna first.

He's also unpopular because of his over,over aggressiveness with little people. Italy '08 was ridiculous. His moves were unnecessary. Japan '08 showed he can't take getting overtaken w/0 going a bit whacko (see Brazil '07, CHina '07, Bahrain '08, Canada '08 (Kubica and Raikkonen came out ahead in the pits), etc.

Someone might ask if thewse were not the same reasons drivers hated Schumi and Senna.

Maybe.

But then ask yourselves this.

During that period in which Alonso was the Senna/Schumi of the time- young, fast, loved Monaco, amazing under the rain, defeated Schumi, etc.- did drivers hate Fernando?

I don't think they did.

It all comes down to the fact that Fernando doesn't race with a yellow helmet and doesn't have a press swooning over him. He is also politically outmaneuvreing Lewis and this is why Lewis must join the GPDA to stop Fernando from rallying the drivers.

There are more reasons why drivers ae P.O.ed. Robert knows he could also have been impressive given a McLaren on his debut- his beginning season with BMW was astounding. '07 didn't work as ell do to the change from Michelin to Bridgestone, but his talent was never in doubt. Many of the drivers must be annoyed that Lewis, by fate, got dealt an amazing hand to start with. Alonso began with Minardi, Kimi with Sauber, Felipe with Sauber, etc. They could also have easily proved themselves in McLarens.

Lewis's bigges problem is this press that distorts his image. It is a problem for him that the press could believe (and make believe) that he said he thought he was as good as Senna. If Kimi or Fernando were reported to say that, nobody would believe it.

The drivers believe they are getting screwed over. In many ways, they are. We tend to forget the risks they take out there. We think Lewis is the best overtaker in F1- he isn't really. If Lewis had made the pass Felipe made on Webber, nobody would have doubted its amazing and legitimacy.

Lewis can't afford being compared to Senna/Schumi. It's asking to take the hits. When people compae him to Senna, he should do what Vettel did when compared to Schumi- say that t is ridiculous and that someone else on the grid is better at it. Scrap the yellow helmet, etc.

It's difficult for Lewis. He rides a rollercoaster. It's no wonder that he ends up saying weird things, like nobody overtakes me and they want to shoot me at driver meetings. If only more discretion was made, and less aggressiveness to opponents he knows he is going to win against was used, it would be better. And making an overtaking move withut banging wheels is just as exciting. There have been great moves this ear on multiple cars that didn't involve a bang of wheels-

Fernando on Kimi and Heikki
Nick on Kimi and Heikki
Felipe on Rubens and Heikki
Felipe on Lewis
etc.

People think that Lewis is the sport. Driver sget angry because they realize that no matter what they do, people won't are. So they rebel.

but most of all, I think that they sympathize w/ Alonso after last year. THey agree with him. Half of the people who come out of McLaren come out ticked- Coulthard, prost, Montoya, Raikkonen, Alonso, soon PdlR. Otherwise, why didn;t the drivers hate Fernando in late '06/ early '07?

[Pau]

We were basically racing Fernando. The whole team against him. And they still screwed up.

You forgot that one, Ed.

Oh and it was really interesting how Lewis reinterpreted the incident in Brazil as almost being Fernando's fault. Laughable.

All that Lewis had to do last year was finish fourth in the last two races in a car that, at worst, could finish fourth. Of course he cannot be angry with anyone else as he was the only one screwing up.

In your post you chose to ignore Fernando's car sabotage in Bahrain, and Lewis the backstabber attacking him in Monaco and Hungary. Not very balanced.

[Victor]

FA just said that he prefers massa to win and even Kubica, but his car is not enough quick now. Do you have any doubt in FA preferences? Even he said that if i can he will help Massa, but not with tricky manners as you suggested, Mr. Gorman, but just being in front of LH. Maybe, we will never know the truth of last year but the reality is that FA spent one of his worst year in his life and LH and RD prevent him of winning his thirth WC. What he said yesterday is the less he can say about MC and LH. And the sportsmanshipp of FA is inmense compared with the one of LH inside and outside the tracks. I agree, it is not nice to talk against any mate but the treatment FA received last year is out of any logic, decence and respect.

Regards

[AS]

I do not see any problem with Alonso's behavior. Everybody knows that to win a championship you have to be the best both in and out of the track. Prost did the same with Senna. Alonso knows that Hamilton can make a mistake underpressure and he is working on that direction. It is true that Fernando is racing for the championship but F1 is a place of sharks and not a place of nice guys. It has always been like that.

And please do not write anymore that Alonso used Ferrari information to go faster than Hamilton. Ron Dennis and the whole McLaren team used Ferrari information to beat the Italian team. Hamilton got an advantage thanks to those information as much as Alonso did. The McLaren car improved thanks to those information and both drivers had a chance to win the championship. It was Lewis that lost it despite the help of the team. And looking to Hamilton performance in Japan, he can lose the title again this year.

[Sam]

Fenando was the outcast at mclaren last year his remarks are understandable. Besides, not many people have the gut to speak their mind...

[JSA]

I heard Alonso on Spanish TV this morning saying, in his chinny, grinning manner: "if you asked around the drivers last year who they wanted to win, they would have said me or Kimi and this year they will tell you they want Massa to win"

Presumably he doesn't actually "believe" his own media campaign against Hamilton (and is saying this stuff, in spite of the fact he knows it makes him look small, just because he's desperate to increase the pressure on Hamilton by any means).

There's no bigger compliment he could pay him than what I've quoted above. Of course everyone will hate the best driver. When it comes to relationships that matter in formula 1 (i.e. those with the people your work with day in day out - your team - Fernando doesn't exactly have the best record)

[Timbo]

In my view Alonso is probably the most complete driver on the grid.

And this is what makes it all the sadder in my view that he says things like this.

Drivers are often arrogant or dull which can be annnoying. But I cant remember someone at his level who is so bitter and spiteful. I just find it sad.

The question is...
Would a team take on someone who could be like this to them if things did not go how he wanted. Is this keeping Ferrari away? They would historically have snapped him up long ago? I think they really need him.

The sad thing is that when I think of his great drives I also can't help but remember his off track bitterness.

I find that a shame.

[Mark]

Lucas: So if Ron had bowed to Alonsos demands and slowed Lewis he would somehow be more respectable in your eyes ? I don't think so.
Alonso is acting like the petulant child again, given a decent car he is an excellent driver, but his manner and attitude are terrible.

Far as Lewis is concerned he should not worry about the other drivers, over the years all top drivers have had complaints about them - its just human nature.

[Derek Smith]

Alonso must move on. He's fighting a battle he lost last year when he should be concentrating on the current one, the Chinese GP. It really is rather childish although understandable.

But I can raise myself over it and refuse to get drawn on LUCAS' post and point out that McLaren were fined $100,000,000 for Alonso's cheating but I'm much too mature for that.

A good loser is, of course, fundamentally a loser. That's why they are good at it. But if Alonso let's his bitterness affect him, as it patently does, then he's concentrating on the wrong things.

The improvement in the power of the renault engine is remarkable, even more so when development has been banned this year. Both cars in the top 4! Well, that is remarkable, especially folowing Fab's moans about how much they are down on power comapred to everyone else but Honda.

But what renault need to make the best of this extra power is a driver who is driving for their team, not against anyone else.

Come on Alonso. You have a lot to make up after last year's failure aainst a rookie and more so with your admitted cheating. Making such threats is not the way to go about it.

In my sporting days I always used to feel the victories (not that there were that many) much more acutely if the other team were resentful and bitter. All Alonso is doing at the moment is giving RD the possibility of a good laugh. But that said, going by RD's pronouncements, he's moved on and so has McLaren (up until the autobiography with any luck). Alonso should take a leaf out of their book when it comes to dignity.

It's over, Alonso. Let it go.

[moises]

Dear Ed,this post is not seriuos,I think you wrote it to get again 200 comments ( and probably you will get them) but you are turning your blog into "the british Hamilton fan club".

Point 1:Fernando hates/deslike Lewis with so much passion than Lewis/Ron hate Fernando.Why don't you write a post about it?

Point 2:Who spied and used the information of Ferrari was a team called McClaren, and who is still getting benefits of that information is McClaren and Lewis Hamilton.I really believe that all the drivers of MClaren knowed about and used the information,not only Fernando and Pedro, it has no sense that Ron hid the information to his favourite driver.Why do you try again to confuse the people relating only Alonso with the spy story???.It was an issue of Mclaren not of Alonso.

Point 3:Alonso found very difficult to cope with Lewis's pace because he had no the same car conditions and team treatment than Lewis.Do you remenber how many extra laps had Lewis in qualification and how many Alonso?Do you remenber why Alonso didn't overtook Lewis in Indianapolis when he was much faster?Probably you could argue the same for Lewis in monaco, the difference is that Lewis in Monaco was no faster than Alonso and he had never the possibility of overtake him.Do you remenber Hungary?Why McClaren put used tyres in Fernando's car for the qualification?Why Lewis didn't give Alonso the extra lap he had there?Do you remenber why the car of Alonso seemed a turtle the last to races last year?Do you remenber Ron telling " we're racing Alonso"?These are objetive facts because in the subjetives facts we have also the belif of Alonso that the team used to put him the tyres with wrong pressure for the qualifications.And you know Ed, with all these facts Alonso not only cope with Lewis's pace but also he got the same number of points and vistories ( including the penalty of Hungary).Do you think Lewis could cope Alonso's cope with so many obstacles???

Point 4:Alonso never tried to force Ron Dennis to slow Lewis down, what he was trying all along the year is to get something he didn't got...EQUAL TREATMENT.Could you imagine what would happend in british media if Ron says "we're rancing Lewis"?

Point 5:I really believe Ed this post was unnecessary.What are you specting?Alonso leting pass Hamilton?Reverse the situation, FA leading the championship an LH with a half competitive car?wouldn't Lewis do the same?..ohh,he wouldn't do it, I forgot he is a very nice guy and he doesn't hate anybody, this is why he is the most loved driver between the other drivers and fans all around the world excepting England :)

Point 6:I'm spanish living in Italy but travelling quit a lot to Germany and France.I can tell you that Alonso is getting more and more affection between Formula 1 fans in the same way that Lewis is losing it.You also know it and this is why you have to criticize him once again,this "Hamilton fans club" blog needs new matherial against their enemy number one.Very sad Ed, if you continue in this line I think you are going to lose many readers,specially international readers with different points of views.

Good luck

[Peter White]

I wonder how many drivers on the F1 grid actually like Hamilton? Fernando may have rattled the jingoistic British press but his will be a fairly mainstream opinion among the people who actually do the business...
Perhaps you could try to remake the blog as reportage rather than opinion?

[EMILIO]

Hi Ed,
From your words I can tell that you are one of the two british journalists in the front row of yesterday´s press conference, or better said Hamilton´s lawyers like.
Isn´t it possible you british people to understand that we (non british everywhere) are sick of your hamilton hype?, that we are sick of Hamilton arrogance, that we are sick that you constantly play down people like Kimi (1 WC), Fernando (2 WC) or Kubica (just 12 points from Hamilton with a less less less inferior car).
What envy are you talking about?
and something else, you may don´t like Fernando, but your summary of last year problems is just that; "your" summary. Can´t you understand that people not only in spain but all around the world can see last year differently?, I´ll answer you, "NO YOU DON´T".

Very disappointing post Ed. You're falling again in the same game as last year throwing again lots of s*** to Fernando and then saying he's the best driver our there etc. etc.

"He tried to force Ron Dennis to slow Lewis down."... Don’t make me laugh he just wanted the "equality policy" to be real, enforce Lewis to honour the agreements regarding extra laps in qualifying (remember how many to Lewis and how many to Fernando along the year) and to have a real chance to fight for the Championship despite the whole team preference for Lewis.

"Fernando really does dislike/hate Lewis with a passion"... I don't think he hates him but IMO he has very good reasons to dislike him.

The only thing that Fernando said yesterday is that he prefers Robert Kubica or Felipe Massa to win the championship, if this so "bad sportsmanship" for you, IMO you're taking things totally out of context. In Spain we don't call this "bad sportsmanship" but to be honest and transparent and to say what we think without feeling a special need to be always politically correct. If this is so reprehensible for you I'm afraid we just prefer to pay the price.

Cheers,

JR

[Pierre]

@ A Parker:

You wrote:

"I feel so much anger"

Get a grip, seek professional help or something. You sound like Eminem in that song Dido sang on. Are you related to Ham or are you just a besotted fan?

[iogi]

Dear Ed,
I've been reading your blog for the past two years and I really liked it.
I had the feeling you were trying to remain neutral in this FA-LH war... It seemed you were achieving it!
This entry in your blog shows clearly your real point of view (so biased!!). That's incredible how biased you are!
I'm afraid I won't read your blog again! I feel so dissapointed!
Ciao.

[ELCROWLEY]

Ed,
I liked to visit your blog, but with this entry you've lost all respect.

Why? You say:
"Fernando really does dislike/hate Lewis with a passion."

If you were fair and with balls as a true journalist you have to say:
"Drivers really does dislike/hate Lewis with a passion."

About Alonso/Mclaren/Ferrari last year. Alonso has said a couple of times last year he was treated by Mclaren as a 4th team driver. He only wanted equality.

Alonso never had Ferrari info. It was a Mclaren engineer.

Alonso has said a lot of times last 2 months that he doesn't like Ham wins the WDC because he wants to keep his youngest WDC record. That's a crime??????? It's a crime speak so clear as water?

One more thing Ed. Why don't you report that drivers survey this year show that drivers DON'T WANT HAM TO WIN THE WDC??
Last year it was similar. Nobody on the paddock (and I mean ALL paddock, reporters excepting UK of course) wants Ham wins WDC this year.

Alonso is probably the guy that spoke with no fears. Do you remember just a few months ago on a press meeting when Alonso was asked about McLaren equality and blah blah? Alonso, with Kovalainen just seated besides him, said "Well, how many races up today has been Kovalainen lighter than Ham?"

One more thing Ed. PLEASE COMMENT THE 2 UK JOURNALISTS strategically seated just in front of Ham on china press meeting last Thursday. These 2 guys seemed to be there to defend Ham and shot hard questions to Alonso.
2 UK journalists sat just in front of Ham as if they were Ham's personal manager or something like that. They seem to be there to defend Ham about last critics. They try to upset Alonso (and the others drivers too) with their offensive questions. Example, this duo said:

"This question is for everyone excepting Ham. Does it true that there is an envy feeling in all drivers on the grid because Ham is leading the WDC and because YOU SEE he is the media star everywhere he goes?"

Awesome. Awesome. Awesome.

Also these 2 UK journalists shooted hard to Alonso trying to make him to doubt. Example.
They asked Alonso if he really wanted Massa to win instead Ham. They were very disappointmented with Alonso's reply.

Alonso, with Ham just in front of him, repeated word by word what he said in Fuji. The 2 UK journalists and Ham's faces were a poem.

Finally, If I was you I'd change thread titel to:

"Not UK journalist's finest hour"

and
UK journalists really does dislike/hate Alonso with a passion.

As Alonso said, "if ALL PADDOCK dislike Ham, problem is Ham, ain't me."

Ed, since today I can't respect you as a PROFESIONAL journalist. You just has showed as a YOUTH BIASED journalist.

Bye

[Demian]

Well, What can I say, Ed?

First, I feel sorry for you, British journalist. I can feel the pressure you have to finally have a British champion. And how tired you must be right now. If it helps you in any way, I'd like to say that you don't have to worry. Lewis will finally win the championship.

I know you are worried. The kid tends to fall apart under pressure. But this year he's no battling Fernando, remember?
And the other drivers, well, Lewis is frankly better than them, don't you think?

What? You are worried because Fernando, who looked like would have a sabbatical in the Renault, is in a position to be determinant?
Don't be silly.
Don't worry about Nando. He's not stupid. He sometimes say something that is misinterpreted (in comical and radically different fashion) by both British and Spanish media. But he wants to keep winning championships, and maybe in Ferrari in the future, so, he won't do something stupid on track (or at least I think he'll try not to.) You see how he let Lewis unlap himself in Japan? He behaved like a good and wise boy there.

You know that Lewis is not a jewel off track too, don't you?
Remember that funny play he took part playing an angel?
That was funny and pathetic, don't you think?
And the fact that he's not part of the GPDA makes his fellow drivers distrustful of him, I believe. He gained that all by himself, don't you agree?

This season is about to come to an end. All of us are tired, specially you, journalist that travel miles and miles to follow the races. Don't worry, it's just a couple of races left and you'll return home, to have some rest and drink some fine tea.

Finally, in a couple of races you'll have your champion, you'll be happy and all of us will forget the 2008 season and move on to the next one.

But don't worry, I (and I think other Spanish readers too) will keep reading you. Because, no matter how twisted some of your posts may be, you do something the Spanish media don't: you always put the facts before your own opinion.

Keep up the good work. Regards.

[A Parker]

Peter White

Please note: definition of "blog" = "A frequent, chronological publication of personal thoughts and Web links."

Goddit now?

BTW, if you want real jingoistic press, try the Spanish press for size.

[Joaquin Carrasco]

FA was the only guilty in the last year. So, what do you think about Ron Dennis? And LH's father? And LH?

If everyone is again LH maybe he is the problem, or maybe everyone is jealous of him. Who knows?!

FA says what he thinks.

[Tim]

I greatly admire Fernando Alonso as a racing driver and my view is that he's currently the most complete driver out there. He's fast in qualifying, consistently quick in races, very good technically and an excellent number one driver. He's shown considerable maturity and pace from his first race in an F1 car and throughout his career to date. Both of his world titles were won under considerable pressure from faster rivals, particularly in 2006 where the mass damper ban and the Monza penalty still stand out as some of the worst decisions ever made by the FIA. Were I starting an F1 team I'd want Fernando as my driver.

All drivers have their weak points or less pleasant sides and Fernando is no exception. The last two races have shown the double world champion at his best, but we've also seen him struggle in 2004 at Renault and last year at McLaren. The common factor in both of those seasons was an extremely fast team mate - Jarno Trulli at Renault, Lewis Hamilton at McLaren. When faced with very strong competition from within his own team, Fernando appeared to struggle somewhat, tried too hard and lost his composure. By and large, he stood up well to the pressure from McLaren in 2005 and Ferrari in 2006. But Fernando appears to find being under attack from within much more difficult to manage.

To perform at his very best, Fernando needs to believe that his team is 100% behind him and his campaign for the title. When provided with the right environment, he really delivers - can anyone really see Renault having won races in 2008 had it retained Giancarlo Fisichella or Heikki Kovalainen as its drivers? Would Renault have won two titles with Fisichella as its team leader in 2005 and 2006? Unlikely.

Fernando's claim that he was personally responsible for improving the 2007 McLaren by 0.6 seconds per lap was foolish - it's impossible to quantify the development gains made by one individual within a team. But Fernando is an excellent car sorter and the general thrust of his argument - i.e. that his car development skills contributed significantly to McLaren's 2007 successes - is hard to deny. That's not to disparage Lewis Hamilton's contribution, just to highlight Lewis' inexperience in that area in his rookie year.

2007 was a very difficult year for Fernando, some of it his own making and some of it not. Like Robert Kubica and Kimi Raikkonen, Alonso struggled to adapt his driving style - honed from years spent using the radically different Michelin - to the new Bridgestone control tyres. In stark contrast to Renault, he appeared to find it much more difficult to feel at home at McLaren - certainly not the first driver to encounter this problem in Woking - whereas his rookie team mate had practically been brought up there.

The Monaco team orders fiasco must also have badly hurt Fernando's confidence in the team and his relationship with Lewis. The whole unpleasant episode was largely brought about by McLaren's standard operating procedures. Fernando took pole with Lewis losing a potentially faster lap after being held up in qualifying. Fernando lead with Lewis not far behind and with more fuel on board. Lewis caught the scent of his first F1 victory but was called in by McLaren for an early fuel stop to minimise risk of being caught out by the safety car. Furious, Lewis went all out to catch Fernando, who was now intending to cruise to a McLaren 1-2. After all, it was McLaren policy to line up in formation after the pits stops, wasn't it? Lewis didn't agree and was now pushing very hard. Eventually, he was reigned in by the team. After the race, Lewis dropped some fairly unsubtle hints about the use of team orders to manipulate the outcome of the race and the FIA announced an investigation. It came to nothing, but the consequences of that unpleasant little episode were to reach further than anyone could have realised at the time.

Then came Hungary and pitlanegate, which has been picked over many many times. The basic facts are that McLaren policy dictated that it was Fernando's turn to get the extra lap in Q3 but that Lewis (for whatever reason) chose to go against that and Fernando took his revenge in the pits at the end of the session. This was Fernando at his worst - there was provocation (or at least perceived provocation) but Fernando should have been big enough to rise above it. He wasn't, and spygate was re-opened was devastating effect. From then on, it was just a matter of time before Fernando and McLaren parted company.

Fernando could very well argue that he would have delivered the title had McLaren put all its efforts behind him. He's probably right, but he should have known that McLaren just doesn't work like that.

The comments about helping Felipe Massa are slightly curious - what on earth does Fernando mean by them? He could try to crash into Lewis, I suppose - I wouldn't rule it out, but it would be very foolish given that he has effectively pre-announced it. Does he mean that he'll run his race solely for Felipe's benefit? Possibly, but I can't quite see Renault being prepared to put up with that. Or does he simply mean that he'll let Massa past if he's in front of him, but that he'll block Lewis like crazy? Who knows. Maybe it's just pyschology, intended to weigh heavily on Lewis' mind whenever he gets anywhere near Fernando.

[Demian]

@JSA
You don't have the slightest idea of what you're saying in regards to the relationship between Fernando and his team.

He always shared his prizes from winning races with his mechanics. He did this at Renault, and started doing it at McLaren, but Dennis forbid him this practice because Lewis did not do the same and the mechanics were not happy for it.

As far as I know he still do the same in Renault, and his mechanics love him for that.

I don't know the relationship Lewis have with his mechanics (it would be nice if Ed ask something to a couple of them.) But I can only say that the greates drivers in this sport always had good relationships with their mechanics.

And Fernando also has good relationships with his fellow drivers, it's part of the GPDA and has never had a serious incident with other dirvers, other than normal arguments over race matter. (Well, perhaps he had some problems with Half, I mean, Ralph Schumacher, but the guy was dangerous.) :-P

The only problem Fernando have is with both the Spanish and British media (albeit for different reasons.) He's not a media guy, that's for sure. On the other hand Lewis loves to be in front of the camera, and so does his father. You can tell by the looks of both drivers: Nando looks always uncombed and rather slovenly after a race. Lewis looks as if he just come out of the make-up room of some TV set, always well groomed.

Why is that? I don't know.

But you have to admit that Fernando is more of a classic, low-profile driver. If he wasn't so talented, you'd probably not hear from him at all.

And Lewis is the media star, high profile and loved by journalist. He's also very talented. But maybe this media attention could be also a burden to him. Will see.

With some luck Lewis will win this year and get the burden of being the first British champion in a long time, and maybe his attitude with the rest of the paddock might change for good.

[F1-Insider]

Mr Ed Gorman,

I take my hat off to you for staring this thread even if part of your motive was to get this blog moving with the comments as received by the very vocal Spanish contingent (very good).

Alonso, we all know is a fantastic driver, he twice beat Shumacher, but we also know that last year he WAS beaten by the Rookie Lewis Hamilton and that he could not accept that another was better than him, especially in the same car and more so knowing that it was his rookie season, let’s be honest, these are the facts of the matter.

How Alonso behaved towards his employer last year was nothing short of disgusting and fully warranted his sacking and the subsequent gagging order put on him by McLaren.

Any contributor to this blog who watched Senna and followed his career will know that many disliked him in his forma years (Martin Brtudell had many a bad thing to say about him from their F3 days together and early F1 days) and he often received complaints from his fellow drivers and other team bosses and it was only after many years of flare and controlled aggressive racing as others couldn’t together with his utter belief in himself that pretty much the entire grid accepted that he was indeed extra extra special. Those fans would also know that however good Shumacher was he was never seen in the same light by the entire grid and many thought and think of him to be a cheat, a label that would never be placed on Senna.

We are seeing at the moment and many of the Spanish in particular do not like it, seeing a driver more like Senna than we have seen since and the negatives aimed at him by his fellow drivers is nothing more than BULLYING (all ganging up against him) fuelled by jealousy as like it or not Lewis Hamilton IS currently the biggest name in F1. Alonso and Alonso fans and his driver friends (a few whom supported him against Schumacher as they also had a grudge against him) can’t understand or accept this, but it is what it is.

If Senna were here today in the Paddock as a team owner I would bet all I have that he would be doing his utmost to have Hamilton in his team as would in truth any of the current team bosses, Renault (ask Pat) and Ferrari included, remember this IS only his second year in F1, the pressure Hamilton is under is of the likes not seen before and yet today he’s quickest in both practice sessions driving flawlessly.

The nasty comments we have all read from many Spanish and Alonso fans are just that nasty but I am sure not all Spanish fans are Hamilton haters or racists of the like we saw during the Spanish test earlier in the season.

Know doubt this post will receive all the negatives from all the usual names but they are not a true representation of Spanish F1 fans nor a doubt fans of any of the other drivers.

Lastly, anyone who has been involved in F1 will know that all teams have a way of thinking that’s not like other business’s, from the CEO to the truck drivers they see themselves as special and the top teams see themselves as the best and ANYONE who has ever been on the inside of both McLaren or Ferrari will know that their belief is total with often neighbours not having a good word to say about them (just ask any of the companies who used to surround the old McLaren premises in Woking).

Anyway what do I know!

[Kohque]

Alonso's comments weren't very diplimatic to say the least and the reaction from Lewis' fans in ths blog (with Ed at the front) is pretty damn normal.

I don't know why some people seems so surprise by Ed's comments. Ironically, the funniest reaction come from A PARKER, who still thinks Ed's been leading a crusade against Lewis (?).

I would critize Ed for using the word 'hate' with such an ease. It is a very misused word. There are a wide range of choices, like 'cotempt' or 'dislike', which fit this case much better. But then again, Ed's reaction is hardly surprising.

[Scarlet]

This is all so unfair on Lewis the FIA should never have put him in that embarrassing situation what the hell are they trying to do to he lad, destroy him?
Then the drivers meeting tonight, which is fair enough if the drivers have concerns so long as it's not used as a way of ganging up on him. It's one thing to have a problem with Lewis and talk to him about it but it's another to use it to get your kicks like a certain driver.
Then negative press all in the same week, if he manages to do well this week he's a hell of a strong person, not many could deal with all that pressure.
Practice looked good for him. I hope he can do well no other driver has had as much pressure put on them this year and i hope he wins the championship, he'll deserve it for that alone.

[PTM]

If he wasn't exceptionally good none of the drivers would bother with the petty tactics to destabilise him, they do because they feel threatened. When people are scared they tend to attack and that’s exactly what is happening here. FA like many others are scared that if he does win the championship there will be no stopping the guy and even if he does end up in Ferrari he’d be handed down the same fate he presented Schumi with. It’s just plain insecurities, it happens to the best of us, why do you think he got involved with the Ferrari data last year if it wasn’t for the fact that he was being beaten on the track by a rookie. Big egos big strops.

Lewis should take it as a compliment.

[Nag]

Just because he doesnt like Hamilton doesnt mean he is "putting himself down". He doesnt like a person and he is open about it... what is that got to do with sportsmanship.

And by the way your view of what happened between Alonso and McLaren sounds a bit biased to me. Looks like you are going by exactly what McLaren has told the public.

[Ricardo]

That's funny,Ed!
You blame Alonso for the pressure on Hamilton, and Hamilton blame... YOU!

[Guzzz]

I have similar views to TODD. Before Alonso came to McLaren I used to hate him (not exaggerating). But after what I saw last year I can only admire Alonso. He managed to make sure that Lewis didn't win last year (and I'm sure it was he who succeeded).
He's trying to do it again this year and may be successful again. I believe that Lewis doesn't have the same mind strength as Alonso has (at least to date).
I would like seeing Massa as a champion this year, not only because he deserves it, but because he's won more races than Lewis (so far).
And last comment, if all other drivers dislike Lewis, that must be because of something, or not?

[Ricardo]

Just another thing, it is not Alonso or his fans but the Britsh media the one that will destroy Ham, and (sorry Ed) you will be part of it you like it or not.

[A Parker]

JR, how am I not surprised that you don't call Alonso's behaviour bad sportsmanship in Spain? (Edit Moderator)
Demian, you’ve just invented another reason to hate Lewis – “he is always well groomed and ready to be in front of a camera”. My word, what a dreadful fellow he is – to have the audacity to be well groomed. I say, what a bounder. The truth is, I don’t think the delectable Lewis could look scruffy and ungroomed if he tried.

[Big Phil]

Ed, a bit harsh on your comments towards Alonso, though you are right, he won't look back proudly at his comments.

I think the last lap of the last race must of really irked Alonso (very nasty behaviour from Hamilton, actions speak louder than words). It also showed Hamilton's hate for Alonso.

Everywhere I read today all the drivers are criticising Hamilton, it's a bit sad that they are kicking him when he's down. But he has earned some of this behaviour with his attitude.

Though as Anon (I think it was him) said, last time he was in this situation he won two races in a row in supreme manner.

Can't wait for tomorrow morning.

[Miguel]

Very neutral and impartial... I can't really understand why the Spanish and British media are so obsessed with Hamilton and Alonso respectively.
Alonso doesn't want Mclaren to win, that's all. After all, I'd probably think the same way if I were in his position.
Hamilton is a young talented driver who is making his best for winning. He's very young and he's still learning how F1 works. I'm sure Alonso and Shummi would have made the same errors when they were 23, if they had the opportinity of winning WDC at that age.
Let's just enjoy these two outstanding drivers and forget this ridiculous discussions.

[sergio]

Ed,
i am pleased with your try of being objective.
I am pro alonso and i dont like lewis.
But i try to be objective and i dont like alonso speaking so much about lewis. He is sincere probably, and he always has talked a little much, but sincerely.
I would prefer him to speak only about races, but he's free to do whatever he wants.
What happened last year in hungary shows that lewis is not very sportmanship too, don't you think?

[A Parker]

Scarlet, totally agree with you. The pressure on Lewis' poor shoulders is unprecedented. All this ganging up, bullying, nasty quotes, etc, are intentional to pile on the pressure.

I have just heard a short interview with Mark Webber who was desperately trying to back track from saying he thought Lewis would kill someone. This makes me laugh as Webber constantly whinges and whines about everything, particularly Lewis Hamilton, so he can hardly deny it. Plus, maybe he will realise that this is how Lewis feels to have things he says constantly misquoted, twisted and taken out of context. Boy, that GPDA does sound like fun doesn’t it? A bunch of whingers and cry babies more like.

Good point PTM.

[al_scotland]

I want to see a fight!

Picture... Alonso takes out Hamilton deliberately... Hamilton and Alonso square up off track...

who wins? probably Alonso. I cant see Hamilton being able to take a strong punch.

We havent had a good square-go on track since Nelson Piquet!

Those were the days!

[Paul]

It amazes me how everyone who has commented in here seems to believe they have the correct view on matters when they get their info from unofficial websites and biased media reports! Get off your high horses per-lease!

Let's face it, only the drivers know what's going on in their heads.

Press can pull you either way; for Hamilton or against him. The only thing that is factual is the leaderboard - the best driver/car combo is the one who will be top after Brazil.

As for the people who have posted that they've lost respect for this blog or the author because it's not a neutral view... If you are so wound up by this, then you surely can't have a neutral view either, in which case, how can you moan about lack of neutrality when you don't possess it yourselves?

I'm not neutral myself, (I think Lewis is the best and if he was from Spain, all the spaniards would love him as most of us brits do, likewise us with Alsonso) but at least I can see things from outside the bubble and muse on how everyone thinks they have the divine and final insight on matters.

It's just sport - root for your country and enjoy it. Admire other drivers ability even if they're not from your country!

[John O'Donnell]

Ed, we know about their fathers'influence - Hamilton, Massa, Button, Rosberg, Piquet dads (any more?) - but here's your cue to write about drivers' relationships with their mechanics. How many are smart enough to share their winnings with them and who is dumb enough not to?
How does the driver/mechanic duo compare within a team?

[al_scotland]

Must be said... like Senna and Shuey, who were ostracised by the other drivers, they are racking up years of pain and misery ahead. hamilton will never forget some of these actions towards him. For Kubica he will live to regret dicing with Hamilton. I think Hamilton liked him and would maybe help him if he were in need. But not now... oh no. Alsonso? can be forgiven, he is genuine rival of Hamilton and knows he will be there for years to come as his main threat. The others? Trulli, Webber, Raikonnen, Kubica... all will feel the pain in future of leaning on Hamilton. He will not forgive and this will fuel his fires for years.

Hamilton is not this bad guy. Confident and self assured, he is no Schumacher or Senna. He has respect for other drivers and shows them healthy respect. In return he gets shunned and a whisper campaign in the drivers saloon. He does not deserve it.

If he wins then he deserve it. If he lose then he will be back next year and the year after, still making fastest laps and pole positions. Already won more GP than all the "enemies" put together in only 2 seasons. I put their pain down to jealousy and envy. Alonso? Just wants to compete with Lewis... he knows.

[labman]

More Alonso bashing from this so called "Journalist"

please Ed, get a life.....

Why don't you just ignore Fernando?
Golden boy is what you should write about. Leave sunny spain, spaniards and their "racist" country alone (....)

[Rubeniken]

Sorry guys, but
1- don't you like people that say what they thinks? This is the kind of people that i like.
Do u want that in the press conference, everybody had been saying, Kimi: oh he is the best, Massa: he's my brother Fernando: I love Lewis more than my wife.
All of us knew what they think. What we are specting? Lies?
2- When every pilots say something, something is happening. Vettel is a rookie, is a very good pilot, and everybody loves him.
3- Please Ed, the Mclaren-email-Fernando-FIA conexion, is a rumour, started by Mclaren team boss, a person who sworn that Mclaren didn't know anything about Ferrari's documents.

[Fer]

Hi Ed! Hi guys!

Just one question Ed: it's supposed you should have a "neutral point of view" of all this F1 issues, don't you? Unfortunately, you ALWAYS agree with "cry baby" briton national hero, and disagree with Alonso. Do you really think Ham could have done this 2008 F1 season the same that Alonso has done in Renault? Ham is a talented pilot, but he's very lucky to drive the best car.

Not only Alonso hates Hamilton's arrogance: everybody except britons hates him. You know it. And... Yes!: Alonso is also an arrogant guy... but he normally use his brain inside the car, meanwhile Ham lets his brain outside the car. Do you remember recent (and past) examples?

By the way: here you are my prediction for F1 Chinese Grand Prix: 1st Massa - 2nd Alonso - 3rd Kubica. Hamilton?: Again with the cows. Raikkonen? In his own world, looking for a party...

[tom Johnson]

Hass- 'buddies'? what are you, a six year old. This is motor sport not a kindergarden. The only class in this act is Hamilton.

[Arturo Vergéws]

Dear Ed,
Just want to point out the fact that Alonso joined McLaren, probably, with no “numero uno” on the contract. As most probably it is on Ferrari pilot’s policies. You know why? Because has never needed such advantage.
Now, how could Alonso race for a team where some within wanted him perform 3rd, and most even worse.
Coming back to my first point, do you remember any outstanding Ferrarri pilot lately, I mean for the last 10 years or so?
Best Regards
Verbal, from Barcelona

[Spyder]

I dont know why im commenting on this rubbish .....I suspect that if there is anything that will focus Hamilton more than anything , it will be this criticism, and a hunger to stick 2 fingers up at the world if he can claim the title. I suspect that he may produce a far more controlled performance than of late, when you would assume he has been hell bent on getting the title out the way! That has not worked. Massa is keeping his head down, which is the right attitude!Something he has had all year, only his team has let him down, not that he has ever mentioned it!! He has been fantastic this year except when wet! I think both are well deserving of this years title, Massa has been very unlucky, and Hamilton has been treated unfairly by the stupid clowns at the FIA, and had a spot of bad luck to. May the best man win.

Oh and to those clowns here who write that Hamilton is an average driver in the best car....your morons...and biased in your dislike of him.And if you know anything about Motorsport you will be honest with yourself and agree...your morons. Alonso is a great driver , and Hamilton scared the whatsit out of him, look at how Kovolainen compares in the same car, and if your still in doubt i have one thing to say. Silverstone 08 ! The kid ...and lets just remember that as well....he is still a kid.....was on another planet...You needed a calendar to time the other guys..yes maybe he is a martian, if it makes you feel better then you can take comfort in that!!

[Rubeniken]

PTM, it will be very interesting to know how many times Fernando had a bad pressure in his tyres past years. ( fer 9, ham 0 )
Or how many times Fernando had the xtra lap option ( fernando 1, the second was in Hungary GP, but we all know that Hamm, don't did it )

[supercampeaobrasileiro]

oh no, here we go again. I think nando's unhappiness at mcclaren was quite complex. I also think that to say that nando's behaviour was awful is quite simplistic - nando was not solely to blame. As for the ferrari docs, why were they not disclosed in any event???!!!

As for nando now being criticised - he dislikes mcclaren and ron as much as anything i suspect. Just because he is honest and says what hen thinks, this is to be criticised??! I do not want F1 to be all happy, corporate smiley automoton drivers, thanking sponsors and boring us to death!
Nando dislikes mcclaren and he says so - so what!

[Jordi]

Not really a balanced post, is it Ed?

1-Instead of looking at what has McLaren done to FA for him to say what he said, you once again, try to discredit him by saying things that are untrue, unproven, misleading.

ie: "...telling Dennis he would go to the FIA to reveal his possession of Ferrari secrets"

2- Most of you are unable to see reality, FA is not the only driver that dislikes LH, so the reasons that Ed wants us to believe are the cause of FA dislike of LH are, quite frankly, laughable.
I'm sure you will say that the all grid are jealous, yes that's easier than looking at the down side of you hero.

You know Ed, the reasons why FA doesn't like LH are clear for anyone to see.
1-Monaco 07: Reporting his own team to FIA.
2-Hungary 07: Not following his team plans for Q3.
3-Saying that he wants FA out of the team.
4-Fernando had doubts about his own mechanics "doctoring" his tyre pressures.
I could go on and on, including Dennis blackmail allegations etc. but that's not the point. The point is your difficulty to see what's going on in your own backyard and your nasty finger pointing.

FA doesn't like LH, so what?
He is honest and in my opinion he has many reasons not to like him. Hate is too strong word. FA said a few times that he has nothing against LH. FA main problem is with R. Dennis.

Open your eyes guys, apparently some people have open theirs already ie; those English funs burning LH paraphernalia in England.

[luigi]

when your team races you, you race your team... in and out of the track. and you fight betrayal forever.

And of course you enjoy your friend´s success.

it´s simple in a world out of hypocrisy dear britons.

[Joaquin Carrasco]

FYI:

Which of the three title contenders would you most like to see win the 2008 drivers' championship?

* Lewis Hamilton 24.32%
* Robert Kubica 38.83%
* Felipe Massa 36.85%

source: www.formula1.com

[Antonio]

I agree with Hitori_de_aruku. Now that spanish people come back and populate the blog (again); let's heat the race a little bit with a flaming blog entry.

Journalism indeed (i am not sure if 'highly skillful', as Hitori says, but effective anyway)

Just to point something. I believe that Alonso said that he would help Massa to a brazilian media. I guess if a british newspaper asked him, the answer would be different.

[Un pajarito]

Well done Tom!
I'm glad that you are enjoying your life in Spain. So much so that you are already sounding like one of us, poor 'paletos'.
Well, well.
Mirror, mirror on the wall...

[Alberto]

You, Ed, are absolutely wrong. Fernando hates Lewis, as logical consecuence of last year Lewis and Ron's behaviour. But Robert Hates Lewis, Kimi hates Lewis, Felipe Hates Lewis... Everybody hates Lewis except Ron and you, as it's seen. That's the reason because you, and Ron, can't understand modern F1 championship. Lewis is a good pilot, but he isn't Senna, Prost, Fangio or Fernando. Maybe, someday, perhaps he'll finally win a championship, I don't think so. I expect you think about that point again. Everybody says that to you.

[Neal]

I don't think Alonso has said anything out of order here. I personally would prefer to hear who these drivers are rather than their polished and advised corporate identities. (Quote of the season for me was Brundles dismissal of ING when they asked about their logo in Singapore - normally I think the bloke is a plonker but he's proving to be O.K. this season).

There is bound to be animosity between LH and FA because of a 07. I really want Lewis to win because once he has his first championship win out of the way things will probably calm down and he will improve in temprament. (Yes - I do expect him to win more than one) His 'destiny' to win the WC heaps extra pressure and expectation and sometimes people love to see failure just as much as success. Having said all that I do believe that FA is the best driver package out there at the moment.

I said it was good to hear Lewis talking about balls with regard to his and Kimi's spat in Spa and I'm glad to be able to read even mediated responses from Alonso that show his true feelings, or at least spice things up (for whatever reason). I don't think FA's statements actually add spice but what people can read into them does. This year doesn't need any more spice but I'm glad Alonso is back and able to contribute to it.

[David]

As s Spaniard living in UK, I am not surpised to see so many of my compatriots acting like fools on this and other websites. The hatred and lies that the Spanish media carrys on directing about Hamilton is a disgrace and there are loads of people who love to lap it up. Go to the Marca or AS websites for a look at some of the most disgraceful and farcical displays of little-boy nationalism you could imagine. For writing this type of comments, my "countrymen" would call me anything from a traitor to a terrorist such is the intense Alonso-worshipping, Hamilton-hating going on!

[Jordi]

ALONSO: "... Whatever driver wins will win because he won the last two races or did a better job than the other one, so that’s all."

What's the problem?
What am I missing?

If anything the questions were unpleasant, not the answers.

[CSM]

Well, Hamilton had to leave England because of the media pressure (or at least that is what he sayed)! So
Whose fault is it???? Papers !
He is now complaining about his mates when he has been so arrogant and has spoken about his big *****... Don´t feel sorry for him.

[James B]

Ha, this makes me laugh so much. I cannot believe some of the posts on here that appear to have no balance to their arguements. Hamilton is no angel but neither is Alonso it's as simple as that. Teammates play games with each other, this has always been the case, it is not something new.

Alonso is still bitter about last year because if Hamilton hadn't come along Alonso would be a 4x world champion by now. Your bound to be a little envious particulary as you were basically beaten by this guy last year both physically and most importantly mentally.

From Lewis's perspective it will just make a championship win all the more sweeter that he has managed to create that much envy.

[jhl]

Tom go home

[Veronica]

@ parker
are you really saying this is good journalism?
"Q: (Jon McEvoy - The Daily Mail) To all drivers other than Lewis: do you think there's a feeling among the drivers that you are jealous or envious of the fact that Lewis at the moment is leading the drivers' standings and also that wherever you go he seems to be the biggest star?"

Especially the last part is priceless.

@hitori_de_aruku
I agree 100% with you. Spanish press leave a lot to desire. They are way too partisan.

I'm a huge Fernando fan. I agree with Ed that he's a charismatic and fantastic pilot. But if he hadn't said what he said he'll be even greater.

VIVA el Nano anyway
:)

[Mike]

"This is all so unfair on Lewis the FIA should never have put him in that embarrassing situation what the hell are they trying to do to he lad, destroy him?"
Without a doubt. the stewards penalty decisions are a disgrace.
check out this video and decide for yourself
http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/10/8530.html

[Jim Leasor]

Hi Ed,
I feel Alonso was handed these two wins on a plate because he was lucky to be in the right place at the time.
Having said that he now has quite a tally of GP wins under his belt and the two WDC's!!
In 07 had he just let his driving do the talking he might have made it three!!!
From next year LH and FM will be too strong for everyone, but if he (Alonso)keeps plodding away he might keep picking up the odd win
or two, he is still the best of the rest.
Of course all competition drivers are rivals it goes with the territory but the first to cross the finishing line is not always the winner.

[Mike]

"This is all so unfair on Lewis the FIA should never have put him in that embarrassing situation what the hell are they trying to do to he lad, destroy him?"
Check out this video and decide for yourself

http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/10/8530.html

[Rafa]

Congrats Ed
You really did it, didn’t you?
You brought us back to talk about FA and LH and so on…
Before we go on, please let me remind some of the bloggers that are so free in comparing LH to AS a few things, like how was the F1 start of each? LH got the best car at the moment, plus the WDC to develop it as his mate, just the first year in F1. Would you remember, please how was it with Senna? or with Alonso? or with Schummy?
How long took Senna to be thought as good enough to be considered above “The Professor” Alain Prost?
Please, please, and please again, give LH the pumpkin FA had to start this year and ask him to win TWO races before the year is over (OK let it be just ONE)
Then and only then would we be talking on a level field. LH is gifted, talented, quick, and the worst weasel in the grid. He can drive recklessly and that is good for the sport, but how come it is unacceptable if done by somebody else?
Never ever would a think like last year at Hungaroring have happened at any other team. In fact McLaren got the price they deserved at the end of the year: they lost both the Drivers championship AND the Makers championship. Should FA be the one swallowing its pride because he was the Spaniard outsider in the brithish team whereas LH was THE PROVEN ONE? Last year result spoke loud and clear whose side was the wrong one. And, like it or not, those are the hard facts.
Let’s see what happens this year, if (and it is a big if) LH can overcome everything that has happened to him so far, he ought to be the undisputed and deserving WDC. Although if it happens like in Fuji, it will be no wonder the “wonderkidd” will loose again.

[Daniel Santana]

Ed, you cunning old geek. This blog is the best you have done as a
journalist an proves how many Spanish people can communicate in written English (good for you).
I notice you brits are a bit nervous and painfully self-concious of your underachievements in football, tennis, basketball, golf,
sailing, etc. Fernando Alonso is coming with his scythe, uuuhhhhh.

Just pulling your leg, lads.

[Scarlet]

Just when you thought fernando couldn't get any worse this is what he told Spanish broadcaster Telecino

“Last year, when the championship was at this stage, everyone said they wanted either me or Kimi to win, this year, all the drivers want Massa to be champion, so I think it is not my problem, it is Hamilton's.”

This is getting way too personal now. Jenson said Fernando was just having a laugh, this isn't someone having a laugh it's somebody who has serious issues.

The only thing Lewis is guilty of is being over confident he doesn't deserve all this hatred it's disgusting.

[A Parker]

Flavio Briatore has weighed in now: http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpass_news_item.php?fes_art_id=36320

I can see why Alonso feels right at home in this team.

[Joseba]

Hello

Alonso is arriving....and he has done yesterday with lewis, what the english media (including yourselve Ed) was doing with him (alonso) all the last year: put overpressure in the enemy in the crucial moments, very simple.
We will see if your boy it is able to manage it.
Fernando little by little it's coming back, and it is doing it,to beat Lewis Hamilton on the track.Or anybody has any doubt that with a competitive car and a team supporting him (no cheating him as Mclaren)Fernando it's gonna beat Lewis. Just counting the points of the last six races of this year, he will be leading the championship with a Renault...

[tunde taiwo]

I have always liked Fernando Alonso,however his recent outburst against his former teammate has left me with a feeling of hatred for him,he should never have gone out to say he will do anything to make sure Hamilton does not win,it is curious the F1 body has not done anything about the statement.God forbid something should happen to Hamilton,if it does then the culprit has already given himself away.

[Érico Calixto]

What else could you expect from someone brought up and raised by Briatore? They are both classless hacks and it's just a huge shame they are also great at what they do.

[Lupe]

I think is true you wrote:"not believe he will look back on this and be proud of himself" but I think is the same for Hamilton.

[Yasunaga]

F1 Insider: "but we also know that last year he WAS beaten by the Rookie Lewis Hamilton and that he could not accept that another was better than him, especially in the same car and more so knowing that it was his rookie season, let’s be honest, these are the facts of the matter"

Is it me or did FA not get the same 109 points last year as LH did? did they not both win the same number of GP (4)?

What would FA and KR be jelous about? LH has not won anything yet. FA is a double World Champion.

[Nick]

Can we get an update on who the stewards are this weekend and what they are driving ? If I were HAM I'd win it and announce my retirement. Two fingers to the whole bent lot of them !

[Ron]

Dang!!!! some really angry people here,

McLaren are cheats to start with,....
ALonso is no better,
Hamilton is a kid who thinks saying nice things make him a nice person...NOT

both are very good and adamant racers. and if they were to meet under a different team and circumstances they would make the dream team. but to be honest Alonso and Hamilton dont respect anyone as much as they should. they are conceeded and full of S....
now to be unbiased is a bit hard, but hamilton's demeanor is quite annoying, regardless of his uperb driving. every time something happens, he says mistakes happen, i learned. bouhaha, so what, you're a dude makin a gazilion dollars for racing, you shouldnt make mistakes in the first place, F1 shouldnt be a learning series. as for alonso, his prgression was normal and talent evident, and it's quite nice to see him in a shit car get two wins. and their hate/hate relationship is a lot of fun to watch and i hope they come across each ohter come sunday so that they can go down in history as the ultimate rivalery in F1 by crashing into each other.

alonso's stab at hamilton is amazing, and i still cant believe hamilton didnt jump him at the conference. gone are the days of punches, and fights, that would be amazingly funny to see.

Hamilton Looses championship for broken nose, talk about races decided off the track.....

anyway, this championship is by far the most exciting, and i hope the both (hami & Massa) cock up this sunday so that Kubica will be a candidate in a three way final at Interlagos.

and again McLaren are (Edit Moderator)and who knows maybe 2008 will eventually be won by who deserves it the most

[Stelmara]

Ed (please publish this)

Good post and about time this was discussed openly as the inert racism and bullying of Lewis Hamilton is nothing short of disgraceful.
The facts of last year when Alonso disgraced himself with his actions ay McLaren are all well documented and it is a pity that he is unable t let it go. I think being beaten by Lewis was more than he can stomach, maybe he has an inner bias of Lewis’s colour who knows.
The ganging up led by the gang leader, Alonso is just plain nasty although it is all being done by whispers it’s horrible.
Let everyone know that bullies always pick on those that are different to them and more often than not better and better he is in terms of his marketability and that is a fact and considering this is only his second season in F1 probably better in his driving too.
I have followed all the blogs and sadly I agree with many when they say Lewis will not be allowed to win the championship this year and by the looks of it if the FIA can’t stop him (they are trying hard) then the drivers will how any of the bigots who through flames at every opportunity at Lewis think this is OK is just beyond me.
Alonso, great driver, pleasant bloke when it’s all going his way but with a very nasty inner that every now and again surfaces for all to see.
I used to really like him both as a racer and as a man but not anymore, saying what he has said in public and no doubt a lot worse in private has shown me the real man and I tell you all this; he isn’t husband material not one little bit, he has shown us all who he really is.
Compare the comments of Alonso and others to the comments coming from Lewis and you will see that is Lewis he has been brought up the right way by his father, a credit to any young man and more so to all those with coloured skin that have to live day in day out with snide racist comments and actions even if they are often very subtle.
Lewis I ask that you don’t let theses people get you down and you can rest assured tat many people do love you.

Stella

[Larrotcha]

Hilarious. I can understand the anger of Alonso. He was cheated out of a 3rd WC. The treason of his own team against him is well documented on the internet.

[Philip Hofman]

If there was a world title for jealousy, bitterness and poor sportmanship, Alonso would win it again and again. In 25 years of following F1 I have never seen a such a two-faced, professional backstabber as Alonso. It is really out of order to threaten to influence the outcome of a world championship, in which he is not a contender this season. When journalists ask him about these remarks he twists and turns and pulls up a smoke screen about what he has clearly said in the lead up to the Chinese GP. What a coward, what a lack of class for a two time world champion. The thing really bugs Fernando is that Lewis could challenge and beat him, the double world champion, as a rookie last year. Alonso never expected that at the start of 2007. I suspect that the fact that Hamilton is partly black made that even harder to swallow for Alonso and the Spanish public. It is sad to see other drivers seizing their chance to join Alonso and gang up on Lewis so hypocritcally. Surely Lewis makes the odd mistake, but so do they themselves.

[Maxim]

While technically excellent, Alonso is a bit of a *****. Maybe it's just a pose but, most likely, it must be his true nature. As in the case of Schumacher, that makes him an outstanding character for the formula 1 world.

[Neil]

"...when he [Alonso] found it very difficult to cope with Lewis's pace and what he saw as the team's preference for Lewis..."

I don't think there's any real doubt now that Ron Dennis was favouring Hamilton over Alonso, is there? It seems Dennis has a history of playing favourites, whether intentionally or not. From interviews DC clearly feels that Hakkinen was his number 1 driver and this would go a long way to explaining Alain Prost's enmity towards Senna, who was clearly Dennis' favourite of the two.

Whether not being the favourite is in itself enough to explain how Alonso was outperformed by a rookie in the same car is a question for the 'Magic' faithful...

[Un pajarito]

Please Ed, forgive my intrusion but you seem to forget other comments from Alonso:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/oct/17/formulaone-motorsports1

He's also concern with the inconsistency of the penalties from the stewards.

Great blog. Congrats!

[Philip Doncaster]

Wow Todd, Hamilton and Alonso crashed and have also touched wheels... In a motor race!
Whatever next?
We'll be calling for closer, tighter, more exciting races next.