Alonso Brushes Off Social Media Storm After Radio Outburst
Fernando Alonso downplayed a wave of social media reaction following his critical radio messages during the Belgian Grand Prix, later shifting focus to his team’s efforts.
Fernando Alonso moved to calm speculation after his frustrated radio messages during the 2017 Belgian Grand Prix became a talking point online. The McLaren driver’s mid-race comments, which included calling the situation “vergonzoso” (shameful) and a pointed remark about his overtaking prospects, quickly circulated on social media. Alonso later addressed the episode, steering attention back to his team’s efforts rather than the online reaction.
The flashpoint came early in the race at Spa-Francorchamps, where Alonso made a strong start from tenth to seventh, only to lose places again to Nico Hülkenberg, Esteban Ocon, Sergio Pérez and Romain Grosjean. Frustrated by the lack of straight-line speed and being repassed, he told his team over the radio, “Esto es vergonzoso, vergonzoso.” Later, when told about a pit stop for team-mate Stoffel Vandoorne, Alonso replied, “The only bloody car I’ll overtake.”
The exchanges, broadcast to the world and repeated on Twitter and Instagram, drew a wave of comment and memes. While some fans sympathised with Alonso’s frustration at McLaren’s lack of competitiveness, others saw the remarks as another example of his public candour. The incident echoed previous occasions where Alonso’s radio outbursts have gone viral, such as his infamous “GP2 engine” comment about Honda.
Alonso shifts focus to McLaren team effort
After the race, Alonso reframed the narrative by posting a message on Instagram alongside a photo of McLaren’s mechanics. He thanked the crew for their hard work over the weekend, writing that good moments would come and the team would enjoy them more when they arrived. The post made no mention of the radio saga or the social media fallout, instead highlighting the team’s effort to prepare the car despite another retirement.
The episode is the latest in a series of public frustrations for Alonso during his McLaren years, as the team struggled with power unit and reliability issues. While his comments regularly spark debate, Alonso has shown a pattern of softening his tone after the heat of competition subsides. His decision to highlight the mechanics’ effort reflects an awareness of how quickly social media can amplify a moment, and a preference to keep the focus on collective progress rather than personal grievances.
For further context on Alonso’s relationship with public scrutiny and team performance, seeAlonso Clarifies TV Switch-Off Remark Amid McLaren Struggles.
