Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo has, according to the team, "tweaked the ear" of Fernando Alonso following some comments the Spanish double World Champion made during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend. According to Ferrari's official website, the President phoned Alonso, who turned 32 on Monday, to wish him a happy birthday. But after the good wishes the Italian boss went on to chastise Alonso for his comments.
Ferrari's official statement says "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." Montezemolo reminded Alonso that "all the great champions who have driven for Ferrari have always been asked to put the interests of the team above their own. 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."
Speaking after the race at the Hungaroring, where he finished in a disappointing fifth place, Alonso responded directly to rumour linking him with a move to Red Bull and insisted he was "very happy" at Ferrari. But he added: "Obviously we need to improve the car if we're to have chances to win the World Championship. August, with four weeks with no Formula 1, is a very dangerous period for you guys. Hopefully we'll have a quiet summer."
At the season's halfway mark, Ferrari lie third in the Constructors' Championship, 83 points behind Red Bull. Here are the outright odds for the 2013 Constructors' Championship at Bet365:
Red Bull - 1/14
Mercedes - 9/1
Ferrari - 25/1
Lotus - 100/1
Your feedback
Please enter your comment.
Your comment is added.
