F1 news: Aston Martin warned not to 'hide info' from Fernando Alonso
- Rob Fleming
- 14 October 2022
Fernando Alonso joins Aston Martin for the 2023 Formula 1 season replacing the retiring Sebastian Vettel and his new team have been warned to have an "open book honest policy" with the driver.
The 41-year-old Alonso leaves Alpine following a two-year stint with the team to join Aston Martin as part of their plan to be challenging at the top end of the grid for podiums and world titles within the next five years.
The Spaniard has a reputation that if he does not get his own way he becomes difficult to manage, but newly-appointed Aston Martin team ambassador Pedro de la Rosa, who is a close friend of Alonso's, has shot those suggestions.
De La Rosa told media that the trick to dealing his countryman Alonso was how to approach the driver and to always be honest.
"I don't think that Fernando is a difficult guy to handle," De La Rosa said. "He's just very genuine, very honest.
"The fact that English is not his native tongue sometimes makes him a bit harsh when he tries to describe things.
"But he's very honest, and what he tells you is what he feels about the car, about the team, about how to be competitive.
"So as long as you always tell him exactly what's going on, and what is the truth, you will never have a problem with him.
"But the moment you try to hide information or he feels you are trying to keep some information aside; you will have problems.
"He is just a very competitive individual. That's the reality. If you are as competitive as him, you won't have any problem with Fernando."
NEWS: We are delighted to announce the appointment of @PedrodelaRosa1 as @AstonMartinF1 Team Ambassador.
— Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) October 13, 2022
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De la Rosa's new ambassador role at Aston Martin basically puts him in a role of being involved in, marketing, PR, Media, promotional, commercial and general advisory duties, plus he will be a consultant for the team's new Driver Development Programme.
"I've always said there are possibly three drivers that are special in Formula 1," De la Rosa said. "I won't say which names, I'm pretty sure you all know, it's not that difficult. But Fernando has always been there.
"I've always said that Fernando is one of the best drivers in the history of Formula 1, and when I said this a few years ago, everyone thought I was crazy.
"But I'm still crazy because I think he's unique, and he's fully motivated, which is also a very, very, very important detail in the life of a Formula 1 driver, especially when you get to 40 years old.
"I've been 40 as well, so I know a bit. That's why I think Fernando arrives at the best of his talent and his peak of performance," he added.
