SUMMARY
- Fernando Alonso jests about F1 budgets, jokingly cites $200M for Mercedes.
- Despite jests, Alonso emphasizes fairness in F1 testing regulations.
Fernando Alonso wasted no time getting into the thick of things as Formula 1 gears up for another thrilling season in 2024. With Lewis Hamilton stealing the spotlight by joining Ferrari, Alonso could not resist poking fun at his style. During the latest pre-season testing in Bahrain, the Spaniard engaged in some light-hearted banter with Hamilton and his teammate, George Russell.
Right after the reshuffle announcement, Fernando Alonso called out the 7x champion regarding his Ferrari dream. He expressed his opinion on the limited testing in F1 nowadays, drawing parallels with sports like football and tennis. The Bahrain International Circuit not only hosts the pre-season test but also provides an opportunity for drivers to engage with the media, right ahead of which Russell praised the new W15.
Fernando Alonso makes a dig at Lewis Hamilton on $200m budget
Alonso playfully remarked on the hefty budgets of F1 teams, sparking laughter when he jokingly quoted Mercedes’ budget as $200 million. The Aston Martin driver said, “And we are talking the most sophisticated sport and $200 million budgets per team a year and things like that, so it seems all ridiculous…”
Russell interrupted and said, “Our budget is $135 million.” To this, the 2x champion quickly replied, “Yeah, but you have a very expensive driver alongside you, so it’s more than 200 probably for Mercedes with your team-mate.” Despite the banter, Alonso clarified that driver salaries don’t count towards the budget cap, ensuring fairness across teams.
However, he remains critical of the limited testing, advocating for a change that would allow teams to use both cars during pre-season testing. Yet, Alonso maintains a serious stance on the need for fair testing regulations in F1. The Spanish driver aims to capitalize on his successful debut season with Aston Martin, where he secured eight podium finishes.
Hamilton on surprise Ferrari move & Michael Schumacher ‘dream’
In a recent revelation, Lewis Hamilton has spoken out about his major move to Ferrari in Formula 1. The news of the to-be Ferrari driver’s departure from Mercedes, where he achieved six out of his seven world titles, shook the F1 community earlier this month. His decision to join Ferrari on a multi-year contract starting from 2025 came as a surprise to many.
🎙️| Lewis Hamilton:
“For every driver growing up, watching the history, watching Michael Schumacher in his prime…”
“I think all of us, you see a driver in the red cockpit, and you wonder what it would be like to be surrounded by the red.”
“You go to the Italian Grand Prix,…
— Ferrari News 🐎 (@FanaticsFerrari) February 23, 2024
The 39-year-old driver said, “Obviously in the summer we signed and at that time I saw my future with Mercedes. But an opportunity came up in the New Year and I decided to take it. I feel like it was the hardest decision I have ever had to make. I have had a relationship with Mercedes since I was 13. They have supported me, and we have had an incredible journey together…”
He went on to add, “I think for every driver growing up, watching history, watching Michael Schumacher in his prime, I think all of us sit in our garages, and you see the screen pop up, you see a driver in the red cockpit, and you wonder what it will be like to be surrounded by the red.” Despite his unparalleled success with Mercedes, Hamilton finds himself tied with Ferrari icon Michael Schumacher.