F1 rookie bites back at Alonso after fiery Singapore GP exchange

Hadjar, who was involved in an on-track battle with the Spaniard veteran, brushed off Alonso’s post-race criticism after the Aston Martin driver stated that the Racing Bulls driver defended too much.

The 21-year-old, who endured a torrid race largely due to an engine problem, was informed during his media interaction that Alonso had sarcastically referred to him as the ‘hero of the race’ following the staunch defence he put up during their on-track battle.

Responding, the French rookie stated, “I didn't push him off the track; I kept it clean. If he didn't enjoy that fight, then he's really grumpy and there's nothing I can do for him.”

The incident involving Hadjar and Alonso began after the latter’s lengthy pit stop saw him come out in 15th place behind Hadjar.

Alonso, who was quickly aiming to make up for the places he had lost due to his flawed stop, found himself stuck in 16th place behind Hadjar. With a battle spanning two laps, the 44-year-old eventually completed the move, albeit with a sarcastic radio comment to follow.

“Trophy for the hero of the race,” he said.

Alonso’s seemingly frosty relationship with Racing Bulls drivers is well documented. During the 2024 United States Grand Prix weekend, the two-time world champion experienced a similar incident with Hadjar’s teammate, Liam Lawson.

On that occasion, the Aston Martin driver visibly expressed his frustration with Lawson after the pair nearly made contact during the Sprint race while battling for P16.

Lawson’s aggressive defending prompted Alonso to label him an ‘idiot’ on the radio – a statement he did not backtrack on during his post-race interaction with the media.

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