Brawn: Alonso row won't hurt Renault

That is the view of Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn, who thinks that the situation will not have any adverse impact on the harmony and motivation within the French car manufacturer.

"I think people of the calibre of Renault and Ferrari can put things like that to one side," explained Brawn. "You do your absolute best and I don't think there will be any compromise.

"I don't think a mechanic makes any less effort, although obviously those sort of comments are a bit unfortunate. But I don't think they damaged the team, or that we will have an advantage because of the things that have been said. Unfortunately it is not that simple."

Brawn thinks that the Alonso situation emerged purely as a result of the Spaniard's frustration at losing the Chinese Grand Prix - and then cheekily suggested that the media had served to stir things up.

"With all due respect, you guys are taking a small detail and expanding it," said Brawn. "And that is what happened. I am sure the questions were asked in the right way and provoked the right answers.

"I am also sure Fernando was frustrated at the end because he started the race on pole position thinking he had a strong performance advantage and he finished the race losing two points to Michael.

"I am sure he wasn't happy, but I don't think it's particularly relevant. I don't think it will make a difference, let's put it that way."