F1 hits back at Alonso's radio rant in Mexico: 'Fernando is incredible'

13:13, 03 Nov

byTobia Elia

F1’s Director of Broadcast and Media, Dean Locke, has responded to recent criticism from Fernando Alonso after multiple radio comments in the Mexican GP.

"We have a responsibility to tell the story fairly and accurately - so we don't publish anything that is misleading or has other intentions"

- Dean Locke

Speaking in an interview with Motorsport.com, Locke referenced Fernando Alonso’s repeated radio messages during the Mexican GP, in which the Spaniard used the radio as a direct channel to FOM and the stewards after witnessing several drivers cut Turn 1 at the start, effectively putting on a show.

"We have a responsibility to tell the story fairly and accurately - so we don't publish anything that is misleading or has other intentions," he said. "Fernando is incredible; what he can do in that car and then still have time to think about it is admirable. But we are not his mouthpiece."

Locke emphasized that the goal is certainly to entertain fans with the most engaging and entertaining team radio moments, but without encouraging misinterpretation or excessive sensationalism.

Fernando Alonso - Photo: Race Pictures

"Our goal is to stay honest in the story and get the fans involved. It's great what kind of stories we can tell, how we can show the race from the perspective of two teammates and things like that. But we have to be careful, because sometimes a driver is critical of his team without knowing all the facts.

"Then we have to guard against misrepresentation. We want to bring excitement, take the fans into the cockpit and show who the driver really is - but without overdoing it or sensationalising it."

Locke also cited another example from Alonso’s time at Ferrari between 2010 and 2014, when he would occasionally send messages over the radio in Italian, using it deliberately for specific purposes.

"I also remember that Fernando used to do his on-board radio in Italian, and when we subtitled it all into English, he stopped doing that. So yes, sometimes there are other intentions behind such things. We try to deal with that wisely."

Alonso puts on untelevised radio show in Mexico

Alonso’s Mexican race was full of drama, as he kept drawing attention over the radio to several drivers — notably Liam Lawson and Carlos Sainz — who had shortcut Turns 1 and 2 at the start, rejoining the track well ahead.

The Spaniard didn’t miss a chance to highlight the issue, pointing out over the radio: “It’s very unfair that I’m in this position, after making the corners, so let’s do something.”

The stewards decided on a no further action ruling, which only amplified the two-time world champion’s sarcasm over the radio: “Question for race direction, can I cut Turns 2 and 3 and pass like they do? Or should I stay on track better?”

The Spaniard’s on-track theatrics continued until his retirement, which came due to suspected brake issues.

GPblog's latest F1 Paddock Update

Want to stay up-to-date with what happens in the F1 paddock? Then GPblog's F1 Paddock Update video is the perfect way to do it. Subscribe to GPblog's YouTube channel and turn on notifications to never miss the latest episodes.