So now Alonso has conceded that he is fighting against Vettel and not Newey. According to Alonso, he was misunderstood by some last year when he declared that he was "fighting Newey". He now says that he simply meant that the RB8 was a good car - nothing against Vettel, who he has mutual respect with. He is fighting Sebastian now, he says and the reason Sebastian is ahead is because he has done the best job.
Well it could be that Alonso is simply answering the press and stating his opinion, facts or a clarification. But why wait an entire year to clarify something stated a year ago?
I tend to think it doesn't sound like Alonso and there is an ulterior motive behind his words (even if they are also fact and his opinion and/or clarification), but that doesn't mean it is necessarily a bad motive.
My first thoughts were that Ferrari might be looking to bring Vettel into the fold earlier than originally planned - or - perhaps Alonso is going to make a surprising bid for the Red Bull seat that Kimi has shown some reluctance for. However, as stated, Alonso may just be answering the press, or maybe up to mind games or maybe the press is up to its games again - or maybe you feel I have it all wrong and you can explain in your post.
I find it quite interesting. I have never created a poll, so I wanted to do one; it includes a non-choice so you can ignore my choices if you like. Anyway, what do you guys think? Is this an about face by Alonso, and if so, is there a reason for it? Or is it consistent with what he has said before and just his opinion?
This thread is not intended to foster a discussion of Alonso v. Seb or to bash either driver. Please refrain from discussing those topics and driver bashing or the thread will be closed I am sure. The question is whether or not Alonso's words are a precursor for a push by Ferrari for Vettel; a push by Alonso for a Red Bull seat; just more press talk - or something else like competitive mind gaming, etc.
Edited by bourbon, 13 July 2013 - 20:02.