"Bad guy" Alonso clarifies Verstappen "not British" remark

Fernando Alonso has clarified comments he made suggesting Max Verstappen not being British would make his F1 title fight with Lewis Hamilton more difficult.

Two-time world champion Alonso has fought Hamilton numerous times over the past 14 seasons, including as the Briton's team-mate in the ill-tempered 2007 title fight.

Ahead of the Hungarian GP, Alonso responded to Verstappen's FIA press conference outburst by saying: "He is not British so it will always be more difficult for him, so let's see."

Clarifying his stance, Alonso explained: "I have the impression always that when things get a little bit spicy or tense in the title fight, this sport, it is a British environment.

"The teams are British, most of the journalists and media attention, TV crews, everyone comes from the UK.

"Understandably, there is a little bit of preference on the guy from your country that can be competitive and keep winning.

"It is what I felt when I was racing and it seems I was the bad guy in Formula 1 when I was trying to fight against, normally, British guys.

"When I saw the Silverstone thing [the collision involving Verstappen and Hamilton] or when I see Verstappen get some questions et cetera, I understand his position, for sure."

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