Nando: you either love him or hate him
Fernando Alonso’s dad has come out in the Spanish press to defend his maligned son. Jose Luis Alonso told Spanish daily El Pais that Fernando has not changed at all since he became F1 world champ in 2006.
“He is just the same as always,” Alonso said of his famous son. “It is not so obvious in his attitude with me as how he behaves when he is with the whole family; he has everything but he is still the same. He is a happy and affectionate person.”
It’s natural for a parent to defend his kid, but it’s difficult argue that Alonso is the same man as he was a couple of years ago, during his first stint at Renault. Along with Lewis Hamilton (ah, the irony), Nando probably has the most detractors among F1 fans and insiders. You either love him or hate him. It wasn’t always the case…
Alonso’s year at McLaren was a PR disaster for the Spaniard, and he has yet to repair the damage done to his public image. The fact he’s an ex-world champion stuck in a car that can’t win him the title has only served to make things worse - no one can blame Alonso for wanting to move to a more competitive team, but when he comes out and says as much in the press, it often comes across in a petulant, ungrateful manner.
Alonso fans might argue that the British media is pro-Lewis and anti-Nando, and while that is certainly true to some extent, it’s clear that the Spaniard has contributed to his own downfall. Of course, when he goes to Ferrari in 2010, his career will surely regain momentum - for now, it’s easy to respect his talent at the wheel, but his personality needs fine tuning.
Where do you stand on Alonso? Vote below:
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5 responses so far
1 A Ludlow // Sep 1, 2008 at 2:07 pm
I think you’re mistaken in thinking Alonso is hated in this country. As this country is so racist, a lot of people love him and hate Hamilton - they loved a Spaniard sticking it to a black man. As for the British press, they always give Hamilton a hard time, whereas the Spanish press lick Alonso’s arse to the max.
Oh well, Hamilton is clearly the nicer, more decent, more loyal, more handsome man, and the better driver.
2 shostak // Sep 1, 2008 at 3:19 pm
If you critices Hamilton you are racist because he is black. If a few people in your country are racists your country is racist. UK should shut up in racist themes.
McLaren are cheaters. Last year they were caught with Ferrari dossier. I dont trust cheaters.
Close people to Alonso tells always that he is friendly but shy, not arrogant.
3 jelena // Sep 2, 2008 at 11:19 am
i used to not like alonso in 2007, but i have since changed my mind and i absolutelly adore him !
go nando !!!!!
4 Berger // Sep 3, 2008 at 2:49 pm
A Ludlow // Sep 1, 2008 at 2:07 pm
I think you’re mistaken in thinking Alonso is hated in this country. As this country is so racist, a lot of people love him and hate Hamilton - they loved a Spaniard sticking it to a black man. <– Complete load of Bollocks and he is only 1/4 black, his mum is white and his dad is half black.
As for the British press, they always give Hamilton a hard time, whereas the Spanish press lick Alonso’s arse to the max.
RUBISH.
Oh well, Hamilton is clearly the nicer, more decent, more loyal, more handsome <–WRONG! BALD YOU MEAN man, and the better driver. <– LOAD OF SHIT
Perhaps as a 13 year old girl with a Hamilton obsession and lack of F1 and world knowledge you should not bother posting in future?
5 RustyRuss // Sep 3, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Cream can’t dilute the Coffee, Lewis is black.