Previously, at the Singapore Grand Prix, Alonso had criticized the FIA for not immediately intervening when Hamilton’s Ferrari experienced brake problems. This time, he directs his comments toward those responsible for deciding which team radio messages are aired. The Spanish driver argues that while these transmissions may generate spectacle and discussion, they often fail to provide an accurate understanding of the situation on track.
Among all drivers on the grid, Fernando Alonso is known for being particularly vocal over team radio. Some of his messages became legendary during his Ferrari years, while his sarcastic remarks continued to draw attention during his subsequent tenure at McLaren. Listening to exchanges between a driver and their engineer often offers valuable insight into race strategy, but occasionally, these communications spark heated post-race debates.
This was precisely the case at Marina Bay, where Alonso unleashed a furious outburst after crossing the finish line. His frustration stemmed from his inability to overtake a Lewis Hamilton who was struggling with the brakes on his Ferrari, forcing Lewis Hamilton to cut the track multiple times to reach the checkered flag. However, at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, the Spanish driver has called for changes in how team radio messages are selected for broadcast.
Alonso: “Team radio often lacks proper context”
During the media day ahead of the US Grand Prix, the Aston Martin driver revisited the events in Singapore. He explained that team radio messages are sometimes useless or poorly conveyed, often selected by those deciding which clips to air. Fernando Alonso highlighted that in 99.9% of cases, these messages are misinterpreted, as they are private conversations between the driver and their engineer or team, sometimes already addressed in the pre-race strategy briefing on Sunday morning.
He emphasized that the real problem is context. “For example, what happens if we exit the pit stop in a certain situation, or if we overtake two cars on the first lap or lose positions, and so on. There are alternative plans for every race scenario. When only a single phrase is broadcast, it is impossible for viewers at home to understand the full implications of what is being said,” Fernando Alonso explained.
The Spanish driver added that when team radio becomes the main focus of a race, it often signals that the race itself lacked excitement. “When team radio becomes the protagonist of the race, it also means the race was poor in spectacle, and that is sad. This is something we all need to work on together as a sport,” he concluded.
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