Fernando Alonso

"Bad guy" Alonso clarifies Verstappen "not British" remark

Ian Parkes & Ewan Gale Thursday 5 August 2021 11:33 Updated: 11:37

Fernando Alonso has clarified comments he made suggesting Max Verstappen not being British would make his F1 title fight with Lewis Hamilton more difficult.

Two-time world champion Alonso has fought Hamilton numerous times over the past 14 seasons, including as the Briton's team-mate in the ill-tempered 2007 title fight.

Ahead of the Hungarian GP, Alonso responded to Verstappen's FIA press conference outburst by saying: "He is not British so it will always be more difficult for him, so let's see."

Clarifying his stance, Alonso explained: "I have the impression always that when things get a little bit spicy or tense in the title fight, this sport, it is a British environment.

"The teams are British, most of the journalists and media attention, TV crews, everyone comes from the UK.

"Understandably, there is a little bit of preference on the guy from your country that can be competitive and keep winning.

"It is what I felt when I was racing and it seems I was the bad guy in Formula 1 when I was trying to fight against, normally, British guys.

"When I saw the Silverstone thing [the collision involving Verstappen and Hamilton] or when I see Verstappen get some questions et cetera, I understand his position, for sure."

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"Bad guy" Alonso clarifies Verstappen "not British" remark

"Bad guy" Alonso clarifies Verstappen "not British" remark