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Readers respond: Alonso's rebuke

Ferrari dealt Fernando Alonso a rare public rebuke for his critical comments following the 2013 Hungarian Grand Prix.

Alonso finished fifth at the Hungaroring and slipped to third in the championship, 39 points behind Red Bull's triple World champion Sebastian Vettel with nine races left.

'ONE THE OTHERS HAVE'

Asked afterwards what kind of car he wanted for his birthday, he said: "The one the others have."

Luca di Montezemolo commented: "All the great champions who have driven for Ferrari have always been asked to put the interests of the team above their own.

Wheels24 asked our readers to share their thoughts on Alonso's wrists being slapped by Ferrari.

Wheels24 reader WAYNE VAN STRAATEN said: "Fernando is the best driver in F1. Yet he is sitting in a car that's not even second best.

"I also feel Alonso has been loyal to the team since he started with them. Even though Ferrari have not given him a car worthy of his talents. At times when the team destroyed his World Championship aspirations, Alonso kept his cool.

"I think Alonso’s frustrations are boiling over, because he only has so many years left to win another World title."

VILASEN GOVENDER said: "I think Fernando Alonso has every right to complain about his car. He is the best driver out there and the car is not being developed to the expectations. Yes it is difficult, but he cannot pull rabbits out of a hat, like he has done in the past, with this current car.

"He is for me the best driver since the great Ayrton Senna."

ABRAHAM JARVIS said: “I agree that Ferrari is letting Alonso down. He is an excellent driver and has the talent and skills to win championships for them but not with a good car at his disposal.

“The team is not as competitive as Mercedes, McLaren and Renault (Lotus) and in addition Alonso does not have a good companion in the form of Massa.

“Why has Vettel raked in three championships? It’s all because of Mark Webber. The same thing happened when Michael Schumacher won his titles with Benetton and Ferrari – Eddie Irvine stood between Schumacher and his challengers.”

OKKERT BRITS said: "I can understand his frustration but showing it's just stupid. How can you even show your hand like that and let your enemy know that you want 'that car'."

"I'm a big Raikkonen and Alonso fan but if I was a driver, I would be worried about the" Ice man". He is in the same position as Alonso and has shown that he is everybody's pain in the neck.

"I believe every driver is more concerned about where and what Raikkonen will do next."

FANIE JOUBERT said: “There is no question that Alonso has gone far beyond what was expected in the last few years regarding team loyalty and being a team player. Ferrari has failed to provide him with a car that is capable of winning the Championship and it is unfair to treat him like this.

“I would say it is ungrateful behaviour towards a person that has saved face for them for such a long time!“

Do you think Fernando Alonso has reason to complain, or was he being a sore loser? Email us and we'll publish your thoughts or use the Readers' Comments section below...
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