FIA "agree to disagree" on occasion with Fernando Alonso

FIA - Fernando Alonso

FIA "agree to disagree" on occasion with Alonso

Alpine driver has been outspoken on FIA this season

Ian Parkes

Monday 1 November 2021 15:04

FIA race director Michael Masi has confirmed to holding discussions with Fernando Alonso on occasions this year that has resulted in them both 'agreeing to disagree'.

Following his return to F1 with Alpine after a two-season break from the sport, Alonso has been critical of the FIA's policing of turn one track limits infractions during races.

Alonso initially drew attention to what he saw as inconsistencies after the Austrian Grand Prix when he described himself as "an idiot" for not following the example of his rivals who escaped punishment by running wide despite gaining places.

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During the Russian GP, Alonso then deliberately drove through a designed turn-one escape and despite gaining a position was immediately told to hand it back.

The two-time champion was left frustrated again after the recent United States GP as he felt a number of infractions were not dealt with. Masi insists he has "no issue" with Alonso's outspoken comments in public, but as to whether the pair talk through any problems in private, he said: "Occasionally we discuss things.

"Occasionally I discuss things with him and on this occasion, I discussed things with a number of drivers. That is just part of what it is and the role it is.

"There are times where you can agree to disagree. We don't always all have to agree on certain situations.

"Sometimes it is looking at things [and saying] 'Yes, I understand your perspective'; sometimes it is 'I disagree' and that is fine. We are all human at the end of the day."

Masi has also insisted he has no qualms with the sporting directors at the F1 teams expressing their displease at him, or being sarcastic with him, as was the case with Alpine's Alan Permane during the USGP.

For the first time this season, conversations between Masi and the sporting directors are being aired.

Despite that, Masi said: "I've got to have a good relationship with all the sporting directors.

"They're all fighting their own corner and that's what you'd expect of them to continue to do.

"It's part of what it is. I can tell you there is a lot more radio traffic that doesn't get broadcast."