Fernando Alonso Revisits His Infamous GP2 Radio Message – ” It was a Private Conversation”

Double world champion Fernando Alonso recently opened up about the infamous “Gp2 engine” remark that occurred at the 2015 Japanese Grand Prix. Alonso never shied away from voicing his opinions but one particular radio message comes back to haunt him to this day.

Fernando Alonso on THAT team radio

In a recent interview with F1 Racing magazine, Alonso clarified several incidents that occurred throughout his illustrious f1 career.

On lap 26 of the Japanese Grand Prix, Max Verstappen breezed past Alonso after coming from a long way back. This did not go down too well with the Spaniard, who was quick to vent his frustration.

“GP2 engine.. GP2.. ARRGH” lamented Alonso, in a radio message that was broadcast to millions around the world. This was a direct attack on Honda at their home Grand Prix. The result was an utter humiliation for the Japanese manufacturer and one they would never forget.

 

For the Uninformed, Gp2 was F1’s feeder series until 2016.

Alonso admitted that he regretted saying the malignant remark and claimed it was a result of pent-up frustration.

Alonso said: “There are lies about my career that are not the truth,”

“It came from a place of frustration and maybe I should not say that, but I didn’t say it in the TV pen or the press conference,”

“I was talking to my engineer in a private conversation. It was not meant to be public”

Red Bull won 3 races in 2019 using Honda power for the first time. Furthermore, last season also saw Torro Rosso collecting two podiums- with Honda power.

Furthermore, Alonso revealed that he didn’t hold any grudges and was, in fact, happy for the team.

Honda, however, seized the opportunity to give Fernando a taste of his own medicine

Honda looking good for 2020?

The strained relationship between Honda and McLaren was marred by constant jabs at the supplier’s inefficiency to deliver. McLaren was of the opinion that they had a championship-winning chassis – let down by an inferior engine.

But, this was soon debunked in 2018 when McLaren switched to Renault’s power. The team finished a lowly 6th in the constructors and fans soon realized that Honda wasn’t the problem.

Five years on and Honda have only gone from strength to strength. 3 victories on completely different tracks provided a major boost to Red Bull who now have renewed faith in the engine supplier.

Moving towards 2020, Honda will be hoping to repeat last years’ success and take the next step forward- becoming champions. According to the latest reports, Honda has had a very positive winter test and may become a serious threat to Ferrari and Mercedes. Red Bull Racing is yet to announce a date for their 2020 car reveal.