Alonso apologizes to ‘legend’ Hamilton after Spa spat


ZANDVOORT, Netherlands: Fernando Alonso apologized Thursday for calling Lewis Hamilton an idiot after they collided at last weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix and said his comments on the heat of the moment were overdone.

The two-time world champion had also said on team radio in a broadside heard by a worldwide television audience that the Mercedes driver only knew how to start and drive in first place.

Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, is the most successful Formula One driver of all time with 103 victories – some of his more spectacular ones come after he fought his way back through the field.

Speaking to reporters ahead of this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, Alpine’s Alonso realized his breakout on the first lap had made big waves.

“First of all it’s Lewis, he’s a champion, he’s a legend of our time. And then if you say something, and I’m sorry to repeat that, against a British rider, there is a huge media interest afterwards,” he added added .

“They said a lot of things to Checo (Red Bulls Sergio Perez), (Ferraris) Carlos (Sainz) and me. You say something to a Latin driver, everything is a little bit more fun.

“When you say something to others, it’s a bit more serious. But still, yes, I apologize. I didn’t think about what I said.”

Alonso said he has great respect for Hamilton, who was his rookie teammate at McLaren in a tumultuous 2007 season, and has no issues with him.

“It’s something you say with the heat of the moment, but nothing I’ve said is true. There are facts that are the complete opposite,” he added.

Alonso said he intends to personally apologize, comparing his comments to something said to a teammate during a football game after a tough tackle.

The 41-year-old indicated that he would be more careful in the future.

“I’ll try to always be quiet on the radio and not be part of a show I don’t agree with,” he said.

“All the stuff that’s usually on the radio is a little bit spicy because the sport wants that spice in the race… I get that.

“Unfortunately, to avoid broadcasting things in the heat of the moment, you must take the measure of staying calm at all times.”