Fernando Alonso Boldly Defends Ayrton Senna After Max Question

Fernando Alonso recently raised an interesting point after questions about Max Verstappen’s comments regarding the Monaco Grand Prix. In a discussion with media ahead of the Spanish GP, Alonso compared today’s Formula 1 drivers with legends Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, stating that modern drivers are “more polite” when answering tough questions, especially around controversial races.

This came as Monaco’s 2024 race drew widespread criticism for its lack of overtaking and excitement.

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Alonso referenced the debate over Monaco’s current format, which requires at least two pit stops, and the ongoing conversation about potentially changing the historic street circuit.

Former F1 driver Alex Wurz has suggested tweaks to the layout to help make passing easier. As the sport faces pressure to keep traditional venues exciting, drivers, team members, and FIA officials have weighed in with ideas.

However, Alonso emphasized that constant scrutiny can overshadow the sport’s positive aspects. Reflecting on the Monaco race, Alonso pointed out that overtaking there remains rare.

He remarked, “I never overtook any car,” highlighting how Aston Martin teammate Lance Stroll’s late-race move on Nico Hulkenberg was almost the only on-track pass of note. With just a handful of overtakes in recent years, Monaco’s reputation for follow-the-leader processions continues, yet the event’s unique challenges still appeal to drivers and fans.

Image credit: www.independent.co.uk

Verstappen’s reaction to Monaco’s criticism prompted Alonso to recall how earlier champions handled tough feedback. He mentioned that during Senna and Prost’s fierce title battles in the 1980s and 1990s, drivers were less willing to tolerate repeated questions about race problems.

According to Alonso, drivers now answer every question more patiently, even when discussions focus on negative points rather than the skills or achievements on display. Alonso doesn’t see an urgent need for drastic changes at Monaco.

He noted that while some in the sport are considering potential improvements, the existing tradition and spectacle still generate plenty of excitement and discussion. He believes drivers are perhaps “too nice” when dealing with repeated criticism, contrasting this with the attitude of past legends who prioritized the championship fight above post-race debates.

As the Formula 1 calendar heads to Barcelona, topics about track layouts, race formats, and the role of history in the sport remain front and center. Champions like Verstappen and seasoned voices like Alonso provide perspective on how the sport evolves, balancing tradition with the call for action. Verstappen’s recent comments about his F1 title add to this ongoing dialogue.

Fans and teams will watch closely to see if changes do eventually come to one of Formula 1’s most famous and debated circuits. The ongoing discussion highlights the fine line between maintaining the identity of classic races and adapting to modern expectations. The F1 CEO’s defense of Monaco also underscores the circuit’s enduring significance.

For now, Monaco’s place on the calendar is sure to stay in the spotlight, with opinions from champions past and present shaping what comes next in Formula 1. Ahead of the Spanish GP, Alonso’s reflections resonate alongside the broader context of the race weekend.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.