Montezemolo gives Alonso 8 out of 10

[FA fan]

Luca di Montezemolo has given Fernando Alonso "eight out of ten" for the Spaniard's 2013 season.

While the Italian team is struggling to hold third position in the constructors' championship, and Felipe Massa is just eighth in the drivers' standings, Alonso last weekend sealed the runner-up spot behind Sebastian Vettel.

The Spaniard said this week: "I am proud, because we clearly do not have the second fastest car. So finishing second is a great reward for me."

However, Alonso has had a somewhat fraught relationship with Ferrari this year, amid critical comments and rumours he toyed with moves to Red Bull and McLaren.

Asked to rank Alonso's season, president Montezemolo told CNN: "A good eight out of ten.

"I think he's really a very, very good driver," he added.

Montezemolo insisted he is not making excuses, but he said Ferrari "paid a big price" for Pirelli's mid-season tyre specification switch.

He is also happy F1's rules are changing radically for 2014.

"I am very happy to change rules, because I don't like formulas where aerodynamics makes 90 per cent of the performance," said di Montezemolo.

Probably giving Alonso a higher ranking than 8 is Ferrari's team principal Stefano Domenicali, who said the Maranello team "owes him a lot".

"And next year, we must do all we can to provide him and Kimi with what they need to win."

But Alonso has admitted he is worried even the radical new rules next year, which many believe will be a clean slate for the pecking order, will not stop Red Bull's dominance.

"Red Bull has a one second (per lap) advantage," he is quoted by the BBC, "so they can put whatever exhaust blowing or engine in their car and they are still on pole."

Di Montezemolo had to "tweak" Alonso's ear earlier this year amid a spate of critical remarks, but Domenicali said he can understand the frustration.

"His frustration is our frustration," he said.

"If you are not able to give a good car or a fast enough car to a driver who is always fighting like hell, it is very important that we focus on how we develop the car in the future," the Italian added.

[ManFromMilan]

Personally i give Fernando 12 out of 10.

[ManFromMilan]

The car i would give a 5 out of 10.

[FerrariF60]

surely Fernando has had a few mistakes this year, but when ONE has to drive a MULE like the F 138 has been nearly all season long or more or less after Spanish GP of course he tends to make mistakes when the car is a HANDFUL to drive

i think I would rate ALO more like a 9.5/10

all one has to look at the other driver and compare the points standings, THAT is what the true performance of the car is

ALO is just an impeccable driver who tandes to extract LAST bit of performance of what he's given to him

fortunately all he has been given to him this year was 100% MULE....not even close to a prancing HORSE

[stefa]

All blame goes to BRICK aka F138. I am first of all FERRARI FAN, but last couple of seasons team has failed to build car which can be developed in right way during the season. Because of that I'll also would give FA 12 out of 10!

[Ste]

What makes me optimistic for 2014 and the new regulations is Luca continuing to say he'd rather have a formula where the emphasis wasn't so far towards aerodynamics. Meaning, he'd rather engines played a part.

He and the team must be confident about building the best engine to be consistently saying the same things. That along with our road car engines, which are by far the best in the world means I'm super hopeful for next year. All the talk about Mercedes having the best engine is just rumour - how can anyone know? Ferrari haven't shown their V6 engine - and won't be at all - for a reason.

In regards to rating Alonso this year, I'd probably give him an 8 too. It's harder to judge than last year where the car was a dog and he kept pulling out the stops to stay in the Championship. This year has been more up and down, though for the second half it's clear the car (in relation to the other teams) was just as bad as last years. My only frustration is his seeming lack of speed at the beginning of a race (post race start aside). Then he'll suddenly turn it on and be overtaking everyone. Maybe he has it all worked out long before - who knows.

[Muhammad Ansib]

@ste, I am sorry but how has Fernando been slow in Pace in the openning laps? Please name a few examples? recall Australia 2013,China 2013,Bahrain 2013,spain 2013, Silverstone 2013, Spa 2013, Italy 2013, Abu Dhabi 2013

[Muhammad Ansib]

I would give Fernando a Reasonable 9.25/10 .the only driving error I can think off this year was Malaysia 2013 when he broke his front wing by hitting RBR of Vettel.

[raylinds]

I'd give Luca a 7 out of 10 for running the team.

[AfterLife]

Mr. Luca di Montezemolo please stay calm :lou

[Ste]

@ste, I am sorry but how has Fernando been slow in Pace in the openning laps? Please name a few examples? recall Australia 2013,China 2013,Bahrain 2013,spain 2013, Silverstone 2013, Spa 2013, Italy 2013, Abu Dhabi 2013
Where was his pace in the opening stint in Austin? Most of the races you mention were before the tyres were changed too.

[Giallo 550]

Hmmm, there are 20 races, so I would deduct half a point for each major mistake. Only two immediately come to mind, and one was staying out with the busted wing in Malaysia, was it? The other would be using the DRS after it didn't work the first time.

[Tifoso]

I'd give Luca a 7 out of 10 for running the team.


I'd give him (and Domenicali) a 10 out if 10 for running his mouth. :lou

[Alonsomaniac]

8 out of 10 is lot and maybe quite realistic. I myself would also give him a 9, but Luca knows what he is talking about I suppose.
Fernando is good, very good. In my eyes the best driver of his time.
But he is also just a human being and thus making mistakes.
One thing we all have to give him 10/10 for is his will to perform and never giving up, race after race after race.

[pericoloso]

I'd give Luca a 7 out of 10 for running the team.

You are too generous.. I'd give him a 5 out of 10.

[Hornet]

I'm afraid the engine comment is just another one of Luca DM displeasure regarding aero. He have said that same thing many times in the past. I do hope this one is said out of Luca's optimism regarding our V6, but it sounds like the same the same old comment, I think...

[Muhammad Ansib]

Where was his pace in the opening stint in Austin? Most of the races you mention were before the tyres were changed too.

Austin has always been not favourable to Ferrari, Look at Massa this year and see 2012 for the whole team..the problem our cars had was getting heat into the tyres even in Qualifying aswell. Onboard shoots in Sky pre-race showed how RBR were using the Rims and some sort of methods to transfer heat to the rims aswell probably from the brakes which the Ferrari wasnt!. Once Fernando's and Felipe's tyres got in operating window, Car worked better..Just my opinion.

[Muhammad Ansib]

Hmmm, there are 20 races, so I would deduct half a point for each major mistake. Only two immediately come to mind, and one was staying out with the busted wing in Malaysia, was it? The other would be using the DRS after it didn't work the first time.

The team said it was safe to use over the radio.

[FFFerrari]

8 out of 10 seems a bit harsh, but I guess Luca deducts a point each time he has to tweak someones ear. Personally I would give Fernando a solid 9 for this season. Yes, there were mistakes and yes, for the first time in 4 years I have seen him visibly tired, frustrated, angry. He needs a long vacation to charge his batteries, but the next season starts with testing even earlier than the previous ones. And I bet he will feel extra stress from the changes in the team.

[Giallo 550]

The team said it was safe to use over the radio.

I stand corrected.

[Module]

The team said it was safe to use over the radio.

Please show me any transcript or youtube or info on this other than that the team took the blame on them post race

[Hornet]

Please show me any transcript or youtube or info on this other than that the team took the blame on them post race

What's your point really? The driver couldn't see what was going on with the wing. There are tons of radio communication out there about drivers asking the team if their car is damage, go ahead and take your favorite pick

The pit wall at that time decided that Alonso should continue because they might have to pit to change tire soon. They are the only one who could see what the front wing was doing, risk didn't work out but thats racing.

Not sure why it's such a big deal for you anyway?

[wisepie]

That's bit rich coming from LdM, OK so Fernando made a few mistakes but has to be considered as giving 120% effort every time. I'd giive him 9.5 out of 10 and the truth is that Felipe's performance up till Monaco wasn't so far off, so at that point the car was not too bad. After the tyre debacle it just disintegrated, Fernando was right to make noises and again Felipe did what he could, he wasn't in Fernando's league but the difference in points score doesn't reflect the effort and contribution both drivers made to make up for the car's deficiencies. Hope FA has a good rest over the winter after giving it his all for so long. Same for Felipe who has a new beginning on the horizon.

[ManFromMilan]

That's bit rich coming from LdM, OK so Fernando made a few mistakes but has to be considered as giving 120% effort every time. I'd giive him 9.5 out of 10 and the truth is that Felipe's performance up till Monaco wasn't so far off, so at that point the car was not too bad. After the tyre debacle it just disintegrated, Fernando was right to make noises and again Felipe did what he could, he wasn't in Fernando's league but the difference in points score doesn't reflect the effort and contribution both drivers made to make up for the car's deficiencies. Hope FA has a good rest over the winter after giving it his all for so long. Same for Felipe who has a new beginning on the horizon.



+1
:thumb

[ntukza]

Alonso: 8/10
Massa: 6/10
Stefano: 4/10
Monty: 5/10

[Greig]

Please show me any transcript or youtube or info on this other than that the team took the blame on them post race

Well you could show us transcript that Alonso was told not to use the DRS?

[Ken]

Alonso: 8/10
Massa: 6/10
Stefano: 4/10
Monty: 5/10

Are you sure Luca deserves 5 ???
Do Alonso and Massa only deserve 8 & 6 ????

[scuderia_nano]

I'd give him 9/10.
Sadly. Vettel has lead the championship since the beggining beside on 1 occassion. By Fernando's standards.. I dint see him lead the title and saw 2 unusual mistakes. So yes, 9

A 2/10 for Stephano.

[fratelliferrari]

That's bit rich coming from LdM, OK so Fernando made a few mistakes but has to be considered as giving 120% effort every time. I'd giive him 9.5 out of 10 and the truth is that Felipe's performance up till Monaco wasn't so far off, so at that point the car was not too bad. After the tyre debacle it just disintegrated, Fernando was right to make noises and again Felipe did what he could, he wasn't in Fernando's league but the difference in points score doesn't reflect the effort and contribution both drivers made to make up for the car's deficiencies. Hope FA has a good rest over the winter after giving it his all for so long. Same for Felipe who has a new beginning on the horizon.

I totally agree :-D

[brembo man]

Pole position IMO is all about the car. That said winning or a podium spot not from pole pos. is driver and car. I give Alonso 10/10.

[Jas]

I would say 8 is fair, quali improvement and it would be 9 for sure! Thing is luca, aero will still be important as ever...do not underestimate this...we are in an aero era!

[Kingdom Hearts]

Too bad that Montezemolo forgets who is bringing the points, the victories and the podiums to the team. Ferrari is trying to downplay Alonso lately, so the score fits their agenda.

[F430]

Wonder how he would rate the other driver(s) if alonso is an 8?

[Greig]

Too bad that Montezemolo forgets who is bringing the points, the victories and the podiums to the team. Ferrari is trying to downplay Alonso lately, so the score fits their agenda.

Stefano was very complimentary to Alonso? Luca Di should just stop speaking to the media.

[scuderia_nano]

Sometimes it comes across that Luca doesn't know what's happening in the F1 wing of Ferrari.

[Vanilla Ice]

Who cares how somebody does if they don't win the championship. In the end only winners are remembered, nobody cares about 2nd place finishers.

-Vanilla Ice

[Greig]

Who cares how somebody does if they don't win the championship. In the end only winners are remembered, nobody cares about 2nd place finishers.

-Vanilla Ice

Yeah cause we never remember Gilles, Alesi, Berger etc.

[Hermann]

Who cares how somebody does if they don't win the championship. In the end only winners are remembered, nobody cares about 2nd place finishers.

-Vanilla Ice

When you are a glory hunter.

[diesel08]

yes, fernando make few mistake this season, but montezemollo's mistake is bigest, he's lack of diplomacy is evident, he drag down the team balance, driver performance and this could push alonso away in 2015.

[Tifoso]

Stefano was very complimentary to Alonso? Luca Di should just stop speaking to the media.

It really is as simple as that.

[Kingdom Hearts]

Funny, Felipe thinks he deserves a 6 or 7.

[vcs316]

Alonso to respond to Montezemolo rating ‘on the track’

Nov.22 (GMM/Inautonews.com) Fernando Alonso has opted not to respond to his boss Luca di Montezemolo, after the Ferrari president gave the driver “eight out of 10″ for his 2013 season.

Earlier, Alonso said he was proud to have secured the runner-up spot behind dominant champion Sebastian Vettel this year, despite the Ferrari not being the second fastest car.

Alonso and Montezemolo have had a fraught relationship this year, in which the driver had his ear “tweaked” for being publicly critical, and Alonso flirted with moves to Red Bull and McLaren, despite his ongoing contract.

Now, after Montezemolo said this week that Alonso’s performance could not be rated a perfect 10, the driver was asked by Spanish reporters in Brazil what rating he would give himself.

“I do not give a rating,” he insisted, according to EFE news agency.

“I did my job and I hope that it is valued as much as possible.”

AS sports newspaper quotes Alonso as adding: “I like to talk on the track.

“But I am proud of this runner-up (position) because I did it with the seventh or eighth (best) car on the grid.

“Last year I was more sad because I lost it (the title) in the last race, but this year I am more proud of my achievements.”

When told about Montezemolo’s ranking of just 8 out of 10 for Alonso, Spanish rally legend Carlos Sainz responded: “What rating was Massa given!?

“Well, it’s too low a rating,” he told El Confidencial newspaper. “I think Fernando did a ’10′ season.”

Meanwhile, Alonso admitted on Thursday that he almost had to sit out last weekend’s US grand prix due to back pain, headaches and dizziness.

“I am ok now,” he is quoted by La Gazzetta dello Sport, “but had there been a race the week after Abu Dhabi, I definitely would not have been able to drive.

“Pedro (de la Rosa) was on standby,” Alonso revealed.

[FA fan]

Ok 7th or 8th best car is not true!! We are talking about a whole season here! It seems LDM is not making it any better by his comments,and poor SD is trying really hard to patch things up!!!

[Kingdom Hearts]

Ok 7th or 8th best car is not true!! We are talking about a whole season here! It seems LDM is not making it any better by his comments,and poor SD is trying really hard to patch things up!!!

is true.

1-RB car 1
2-RB car 2
3-Lotus car 1
4-Lotus car 2
6-Mercedes car 1
7-Mercedes car 2
8 and 9-Ferrari

[FA fan]

is true.

1-RB car 1
2-RB car 2
3-Lotus car 1
4-Lotus car 2
6-Mercedes car 1
7-Mercedes car 2
8 and 9-Ferrari

Maybe currently last few races,but not the entire season!!

[VSI]

is true.

1-RB car 1
2-RB car 2
3-Lotus car 1
4-Lotus car 2
6-Mercedes car 1
7-Mercedes car 2
8 and 9-Ferrari

Sorry to be pedantic bud, but you missed mysterious car number 5 :-E

[pericoloso]

yes, fernando make few mistake this season, but montezemollo's mistake is bigest, he's lack of diplomacy is evident, he drag down the team balance, driver performance and this could push alonso away in 2015.

AMEN! Fernando made mistakes while trying to make the car do things it wasn't designed to do. LDM talks a lot about team unity, blah,blah, blah but then he goes to the media and scolds the one member of the team who has given 120% to THE TEAM for 4 years now. Luca, either lead with positive energy or get out of the way.

I can't wait for 2014. Luca has complained time and time again about F1's emphasis on aero design and not enough on engine design, power, etc. If Ferrari does not produce a winning car next year, what will he complain about?

[pericoloso]

I didn't mean to imply that other members of the team have not given 120% to the team. It's just that we see Fernando (and Felipe) more than anyone else during a race...

[VSI]

..... If Ferrari does not produce a winning car next year, what will he complain about?

In that case I suggest we all form a queue and take turns tweaking Monty's ears.

[Kingdom Hearts]

Sorry to be pedantic bud, but you missed mysterious car number 5 :-E

Mysterious car number 5 is the safety car :-P

[vcs316]

Alonso not Ferrari number one says Montezemolo

Having given Fernando Alonso "eight out of ten" for his 2013 season, Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo now insists the Spaniard is not the famous Italian team's number 1 driver.

"I don't like number 1, number 2," he told CNN.

Alonso, who has had an often fraught relationship with Montezemolo this year and flirted with moves to Red Bull and McLaren, has been controversially paired for 2014 with Ferrari's last world champion, Kimi Raikkonen.

But Brazilian Felipe Massa, who has been regarded as Ferrari's number 2 in recent years, was clearly Alonso's preferred teammate going forwards.

"Alonso knows that he drives to win for himself, but also for Ferrari," Montezemolo insisted.

"Ferrari is a team and I want drivers (who) will drive and will act and react as a team member, not only one man," he added.

Montezemolo also dismissed suggestions Alonso, who infamously clashed with Lewis Hamilton at McLaren in 2007, will not get along with Finn Raikkonen.

"I don't want to say that they are old," he smiled, "but I'm sure (they will get along), yes."

http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns26889.html?

---------------------

Is LdM high? Why such comments to the press? Is he trying to nudge out Fernando from the team??

[Gerhard Berger]

I would say 8 is fair, quali improvement and it would be 9 for sure! Thing is luca, aero will still be important as ever...do not underestimate this...we are in an aero era!

I agree. Alonso's qualifying was not quite as good as previous years, though i certainly don't agree with the Brundle's notion that Alonso is "rubbish at qualifying". His races have been great as usual. His mistake in Malaysia was a small one (no bigger than Vettel damaging his front wing in Hungary). The problem was that it was quite costly.

Aero has been the dominating factor in F1 since the 90s. That will not suddenly change next year and LdM should know that.

[Hornet]

Having a #1 was what Luca DM did during Schumi days, and we've achieve a lot of success. Besides, between Massa and Alonso, it's obvious the team has been operating with Alonso as #1. So that's a really weird thing to say.

Maybe it's Luca's twin talking to the media :-G

[Suzie]

"I don't like number 1, number 2," he told CNN.



:lol

I have never read such a crock of rubbish in my life. I am so glad I don't have to pay attention to anything Luca says anymore after Sunday.
Roosters and henhouses, Luca?!

[Ste]

Of course Alonso is regarded as the number one. But if Massa had begun any of the seasons alongside Alonso outscoring him and performing better, the team would've been behind him rather than Alonso. That's how it has always worked.

Ferrari were behind Raikkonen when he moved to Ferrari but what happened in 2008? Felipe was better and the team got behind him and made Kimi move over when they needed to. They wanted to help Felipe to the title. Who were they behind in 2009? Neither driver.

Most teams operate like that, whether they say they do or not. Everyone has equal opportunities until one is clearly performing better than the other. Seems logical to me.

[mirafiori]

Of course Alonso is regarded as the number one. But if Massa had begun any of the seasons alongside Alonso outscoring him and performing better, the team would've been behind him rather than Alonso. That's how it has always worked.

Ferrari were behind Raikkonen when he moved to Ferrari but what happened in 2008? Felipe was better and the team got behind him and made Kimi move over when they needed to. They wanted to help Felipe to the title. Who were they behind in 2009? Neither driver.

Most teams operate like that, whether they say they do or not. Everyone has equal opportunities until one is clearly performing better than the other. Seems logical to me.
You are spot on.

[Suzie]

Maybe it's Luca's twin talking to the media :-G

:lol

[pericoloso]

The announcers from NBC Sports give the car a 7/10 and Fernando a 10/10. Luca seems to be one stirring trouble and appears he is trying to provoke or maybe even offend Alonso.

[VSI]

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/11/19/sport/motorsport/di-montezemolo-alonso-f1-motorsport/

Guess Monty's comments were more balanced than reflected in by the written press... ear tweaking will have to wait for another day, alas.

[wisepie]

Of course Alonso is regarded as the number one. But if Massa had begun any of the seasons alongside Alonso outscoring him and performing better, the team would've been behind him rather than Alonso. That's how it has always worked.

Ferrari were behind Raikkonen when he moved to Ferrari but what happened in 2008? Felipe was better and the team got behind him and made Kimi move over when they needed to. They wanted to help Felipe to the title. Who were they behind in 2009? Neither driver.

Most teams operate like that, whether they say they do or not. Everyone has equal opportunities until one is clearly performing better than the other. Seems logical to me.
The obvious way to run the team I agree, if fact early in the season it could have gone either way between Fernando and Felipe, but it wasn't to be. And LdM needs to sit stop making judgemnetal comments to the press otherwise there'll be another seat going begging.

[eddie]

Its disheartening, demotivating and counter productive to put someone who is giving 120% at every race weekend a point metrics.

For what purpose is this for?

So Alonso gets an 8, Massa gets even lower?

The boss losing it... sad but true...

Just stop all this negative talk and put the positive energy into making a better car / team for 2014. Like it or not, aero is the future for racing cars. Ferrari of all people should know best...

[grinchy]

What Fernando has done for the past 3-4yrs is amazing. makes u wonder if Fernando gets 8 what does the team get?

[Bertie]

I think 8 is a little harsh when taken out of context. However, if we recall Alonso's season in 2012, which I would rate as nearly perfect. Then in comparison this year was not as good. So knowing what Alonso is capable of, 8 starts to seem fairer than a simple out-performing the car scenario (which he has proven time and again).

[Nero Horse]

Its disheartening, demotivating and counter productive to put someone who is giving 120% at every race weekend a point metrics.

For what purpose is this for?

So Alonso gets an 8, Massa gets even lower?

The boss losing it... sad but true...

Just stop all this negative talk and put the positive energy into making a better car / team for 2014. Like it or not, aero is the future for racing cars. Ferrari of all people should know best...

The media person obviously asked Luca "how he would rate Alonso's performances this season?" And Luca simply answered. They always ask this question from Luca.

[Nero Horse]

I would personally also give Alonso 8/10
6.5/10 for Felipe
6/10 for the car (it was actually a good car but the Pirelli mid-season tyre change destroyed it)
9.5/10 for the team

[Hornet]

The media person obviously asked Luca "how he would rate Alonso's performances this season?" And Luca simply answered. They always ask this question from Luca.

Doesn't mean he has to answer it. He could always say everyone in the team gave their full effort and thats all that matters. The whole rating thing doesn't serve any purpose.

[Stormsearcher]

Doesn't mean he has to answer it. He could always say everyone in the team gave their full effort and thats all that matters. The whole rating thing doesn't serve any purpose.

Fully agree! I dont think any other driver puts as much as Nando does into a team/race. LDM was wrong!

[eddie]

The media person obviously asked Luca "how he would rate Alonso's performances this season?" And Luca simply answered. They always ask this question from Luca.

He could have answered it politically correct or just deflected the question. Agree with Hornet. Silence could have been golden..

[diesel08]

[QUOTE=eddie;817192]He could have answered it politically correct or just deflected the question. Agree with Hornet. Silence could have been golden..[/QUOTE

Luca just want to Alonso. He could answer in many way.

[F2002]

I would have been shocked if he had given him a "5 out of 10" for example, but 8 is reasonable I guess.

Fernando has driven really well this season, but may perhaps have been a bit too vociferous about the failings of the team to deliver a good car, and at times seemed to promote a "me versus the team" view that irritated LDM.

I'm sure he'll get a 10+ when he becomes World Champion next year ;-)

[Meiga]

I would have been shocked if he had given him a "5 out of 10" for example, but 8 is reasonable I guess.

Fernando has driven really well this season, but may perhaps have been a bit too vociferous about the failings of the team to deliver a good car, and at times seemed to promote a "me versus the team" view that irritated LDM.

I'm sure he'll get a 10+ when he becomes World Champion next year ;-)

But isn't that precisely why LdM hired him? Because he wanted somebody who would become a team leader, which as per any leadership definition includes putting them under pressure to deliver?

I am starting to think that the problem is that LdM does not really know what he wants for Ferrari in terms of team structure. Mind you, I don't think that a driver should be the team leader, I think that role is Domenicalli's - but then he needs to apply the pressure we were talking about, instead of asking people to stay calm.

But what worries me most is the article by Pino Alvelli that was quoted in the other thread and that put very strong and inaccurate words in Alonso's mouth. And it worries me because, unlike a certain Turrini who is continuously boasting of having great insight into Ferrari which I very much doubt is true, Alvelli does. His article has made me seriously think, for the first time, that Alonso could well be leaving Ferrari at the end of next season, no matter the results. And while as you all know I am not a tifosa, I really like it here and would hate it for our interests to diverge in the future. :-s

[F2002]

But isn't that precisely why LdM hired him? Because he wanted somebody who would become a team leader, which as per any leadership definition includes putting them under pressure to deliver?

I am starting to think that the problem is that LdM does not really know what he wants for Ferrari in terms of team structure. Mind you, I don't think that a driver should be the team leader, I think that role is Domenicalli's - but then he needs to apply the pressure we were talking about, instead of asking people to stay calm.

But what worries me most is the article by Pino Alvelli that was quoted in the other thread and that put very strong and inaccurate words in Alonso's mouth. And it worries me because, unlike a certain Turrini who is continuously boasting of having great insight into Ferrari which I very much doubt is true, Alvelli does. His article has made me seriously think, for the first time, that Alonso could well be leaving Ferrari at the end of next season, no matter the results. And while as you all know I am not a tifosa, I really like it here and would hate it for our interests to diverge in the future. :-s

Don't forget that Ferrari is not only Formula One. And that putting pressure on the team to deliver is very acceptable provided that certain discussions are held behind closed doors. We all know that what tipped LDM off was that comment about wanting somebody else's car for his birthday.

In a way, it's like Vettel publicly criticizing the taste of Red Bull in public, saying I'd rather drink someone else's energy drink - would that be acceptable to the bosses?

You make an interesting point about the driver not being the leader, because the role of a Formula One driver has changed in these past few years, and leadership is more about the technical and organizational elements of the team, and hence your comment about Domenicali.

[ManFromMilan]

that comment about wanting somebody else's car for his birthday.





I think you mean a car as fast as his rivals.

And in that i still find no fault in what and how he said it.

But then to publicly make a mountain of a mole hill is where everything else turned unnecessarily sour. With everything that makes Ferrari the team that it is i would rather have a driver that expects more from the team than just one that is just happy to fill a race seat and shut up.

Ferrari's history should be the base and motivation for it's future success and not an excuse to peddle midfield in mediocrity.

Hopefully next year will see the return of the mighty Ferrari that we all love.

:pass:ferrarifl:ferrarifl:ferrarifl:pass

[Meiga]

Don't forget that Ferrari is not only Formula One. And that putting pressure on the team to deliver is very acceptable provided that certain discussions are held behind closed doors. We all know that what tipped LDM off was that comment about wanting somebody else's car for his birthday.

In a way, it's like Vettel publicly criticizing the taste of Red Bull in public, saying I'd rather drink someone else's energy drink - would that be acceptable to the bosses?

You make an interesting point about the driver not being the leader, because the role of a Formula One driver has changed in these past few years, and leadership is more about the technical and organizational elements of the team, and hence your comment about Domenicali.

But wasn't that a personal comment from Alonso to LdM? I may well be wrong here, so happy to be corrected. In any case, the whole thing was seriously escalated when the Horse Whisperer decided to spill some more beans from the official Ferrari website. I am not an expert in PR, but I have often said here that I really don't understand what the Ferrari PR guys are up to; from the handling of Raikkonen's dismissal to today, I have seen what for my untrained eyes are serious mistakes on their side, although in all fairness to them had it been any other team rather than Ferrari no journalist would have picked on those. But hey, they are Ferrari, they know that the world is hanging on every single uttered word from the team.

[F2002]

I think you mean a car as fast as his rivals.

And in that i still find no fault in what and how he said it.

Yes, I personally prefer that interpretation as well.


But wasn't that a personal comment from Alonso to LdM?

Just to clarify, that comment was made publicly, in a post-race interview.

[Nick Singer]

Is it my imagination or did WEB say something to ALO when they were first talking together, just before going onto the podium about a 'decent car'?

It would not surprise me if had WEB wished ALO that for 2014!

[Kingdom Hearts]

Is it my imagination or did WEB say something to ALO when they were first talking together, just before going onto the podium about a 'decent car'?

It would not surprise me if had WEB wished ALO that for 2014!


I think he said something like "too bad you didn't have a better car this season".

[Senna4Ever]

I think he said something like "too bad you didn't have a better car this season".

jop,
i think something like that was it ...

[Petronius]

jop,
i think something like that was it ...

Car looked quite promising yesterday, I would say second best after RB. Result Alonso achieved was therefor in line. Too bad Massa got the penalty.

[Kingdom Hearts]

Car looked quite promising yesterday, I would say second best after RB. Result Alonso achieved was therefor in line. Too bad Massa got the penalty.

I think the car was 3rd at best in my opinion, 4 or 5 races at the beginning and one at the end does not make the car 2nd best overall, for me that was the Lotus, but I don't think their drivers extracted the most from the car in many races, specially Grosjean.