Vettel accuses Alonso of blocking him on track
Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso exchanged a few pleasantries through the media after their on-track encounter in the final laps of the Malaysian Grand Prix as the German was lapping the Spaniard.
At the end of the race, during his mad climb towards a possible podium still held by Daniel Ricciardo, Sebastian Vettel and the Australian encountered some backmarkers who were more or less accommodating.
And among them, the McLaren-Honda driver, Fernando Alonso, who did not hesitate to let the Red Bull pass quickly, before blocking for a couple of turns following the German’s Ferrari.
Immediately, the four-time world champion spoke on his radio: « Come on Alonso… seriously?! I thought you were better than that! »
The Spaniard complied nonetheless but did not hold back criticism towards his replacement at Ferrari after the race: « Blue flags, blue flags… We often hear him say that on the radio! Honestly, I think I acted correctly, trying not to hinder either driver. But as I said, “blue flags, blue flags” is something he often says on the radio… maybe a bit too much. »
To which the German quickly responded: « I believe he left me behind to favor Ricciardo. He let him pass but not me. I think he said when leaving Ferrari that he would always remain a fan of the Scuderia, but today he didn’t act like that. »
Tense atmosphere between the two men in the Sepang paddock, hoping they don’t cross paths on track in Suzuka next weekend.
Team radio of the ALO/VET incident
Vettel: “Come on Alonso, really…I thought you are better than that” pic.twitter.com/9j1YPV1WgU
— tami | SEB⑤ (@Vetteleclerc) 1 octobre 2017
