JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA — Fernando Alonso believes interest in off-track controversies in F1 is growing because the sport is “not very exciting at the moment”.
The Aston Martin driver said on Wednesday that the growing interest in off-track drama shows how predictable Formula 1's product is at the moment. Last week, Verstappen, who won 19 of 22 races last year, easily won the Bahrain Grand Prix and looks to be the favorite to win his fourth consecutive championship.
“There's not a lot of on-course activity at the moment, so there's too much off-course talk,” he told reporters. “There has been one car that has won the last 72 Grands Prix, more or less dominating for three years.
“So whenever this happens in sports, there's always a lot of off-track activity.”
The preparations for last week's season opener in Bahrain were dominated by the investigation into Christian Horner's misconduct at Red Bull.
Since those allegations were dismissed, the story has developed into an internal rift between Horner and Jos, father of reigning world champion Max Verstappen.
Additionally, news emerged this week of an internal ethics investigation by the FIA, which has jurisdiction over the sport.
A whistleblower has accused FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem of trying to derail the approval of a Las Vegas street circuit and interfering with the results of last year's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the BBC reported. Although Aston Martin driver Alonso lost the race, he regained a podium spot after his post-race penalty was rescinded.
Asked about the incident, Alonso said the concerns were “not a problem. We respect the FIA investigation and have to see the outcome.”
“This was a very clear solution for us because we are satisfied with all the evidence and evidence that we showed last year. So let's see what the FIA says on their own investigation. But it is It's not up to us, Aston Martin.” ”
Meanwhile, internal conflict within Red Bull has fueled speculation that Alonso, who is in the final year of his contract with Aston Martin, could find a way to join the world champions if Verstappen leaves.
Asked what he thought about the connection, Alonso, 42, said: “It's difficult to comment from the outside, but of course I read some rumors.
“But there have been so many rumors over the last couple of months that it's hard to believe them all. So it's more of a question for Max.”
Mercedes also has an opening in 2025, with Lewis Hamilton set to move to Ferrari.
The two-time world champion hinted he may make a decision about his future soon.
Asked if he thought he was on the list of candidates to replace Hamilton at Mercedes, he said: “Yes, obviously because I don't have a contract at the moment. So I'd rather be on the list than in other series. “I am,” he answered.are on the list or are retired [list].
“But I'm going to make the decision to commit to the future in the next few weeks or races. First of all, I have to talk to myself and make a decision. “I personally want to commit to the future. Obviously.'' , To be 100% ready for F1, you have to sacrifice everything else in your life. And that becomes a decision.
“But whether you list or list questions or not, it's for Max, it's for them, and I'll be following the answers with interest.”
