Many at Ferrari "still lament" Fernando Alonso's departure

  • Published on 25 Oct 2016 13:49
  • comments 1
  • By: Dominik Wilde

A leading Italian journalist has added to the pressure facing Ferrari by suggesting they may be missing Fernando Alonso.

Alonso left Ferrari at the end of 2014 after five seasons and now drivers for McLaren who have steadily improved over the last two seasons, but remain uncompetitive.

Pino Allievi, arguably the most respected Italian journalist in the paddock, said: "We again saw the best from Fernando, who is limited by his McLaren."

"There are many at Maranello who still lament his departure," La Gazzetta dello Sport quoted him as saying.

Gazzetta, meanwhile, remained critical of Sebastian Vettel.

"The performance was not bad, but he is still very far from the top, with a car that is no longer guaranteed."

Meanwhile, Kimi Raikkonen is getting the praise.

"Raikkonen had Vettel behind him all the time until he was forced to retire. They had different strategies, but it was yet another convincing race" for the Finn, the authoritative sports daily added.

Corriere dello Sport, was strong in their criticism of the Maranello team, calling Austin a "Red disaster", saying "The light at the end of the tunnel seems far away".

Team boss Maurizio Arrivabene, however, is staying positive, saying that the team is keeping "tough, we are strong".

"What is happening, especially with things outside of our control, puts a strain on the b---s of anyone," said the Italian.

"I should say shoulders: you cannot say bad words," Corriere della Sera quoted Arrivabene as clarifying.

However, amid the 'disaster', Vettel keeps smiling.

"Yes, why not," the German told Sport Bild. "A bad mood doesn't make you better.

"I cannot be happy with the speed of the (Austin) weekend, but the positive is that we are learning so much that could be useful for next season.

"You must not forget that, first of all, we have a long term project. And we are not fighting against Donald Duck or Mickey Mouse, but very prepared opponents.

"Even if it's a steep and bumpy road, I'm sure the day will come when we will be on top."

Replies (1)

Login to reply
  • ianf1

    Posts: 185

    Is it me, or is SV sounding more like FA at McLaren in talking about a long term project when results are being elusive?

    • + 0
    • Oct 25 2016 - 14:40

BE Grand Prix of Belgium

Local time 

BEGrand Prix of Belgium

Local time 

World Championship standings 2024

Show full world champion standings

Test calendar

See full test schedule

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2024

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Bahrain
29 - Mar 2
Bahrain
7 - Mar 9
Saudi Arabia
22 - Mar 24
Australia
5 - Apr 7
Japan
19 - Apr 21
China
3 - May 5
United States of America
17 - May 19
Italy
24 - May 26
Monaco
7 - Jun 9
Canada
21 - Jun 23
Spain
28 - Jun 30
Austria
5 - Jul 7
United Kingdom
19 - Jul 21
Hungary
26 - Jul 28
Belgium
23 - Aug 25
Netherlands
30 - Sep 1
Italy
13 - Sep 15
Azerbaijan
20 - Sep 22
Singapore
18 - Oct 20
United States of America
25 - Oct 27
Mexico
1 - Nov 3
Brazil
22 - Nov 24
United States of America
29 - Dec 1
Qatar
6 - Dec 8
United Arab Emirates
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2024

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
29 - Mar 2
7 - Mar 9
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
22 - Mar 24
Australia Albert Park
5 - Apr 7
19 - Apr 21
3 - May 5
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
17 - May 19
24 - May 26
Monaco Monte Carlo
7 - Jun 9
21 - Jun 23
28 - Jun 30
Austria Red Bull Ring
5 - Jul 7
United Kingdom Silverstone
19 - Jul 21
Hungary Hungaroring
26 - Jul 28
23 - Aug 25
Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
30 - Sep 1
Italy Monza
13 - Sep 15
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
20 - Sep 22
18 - Oct 20
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
25 - Oct 27
1 - Nov 3
Brazil Interlagos
22 - Nov 24
United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
29 - Dec 1
6 - Dec 8
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Country Spain
  • Date of b. Jul 29 1981 (42)
  • Place of b. Oviedo, Spain
  • Weight 68 kg
  • Length 1.71 m
Show full profile

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar