McLaren spare drivers from media probing
World champion Fernando Alonso was released from today's official FIA press conference in order to spare him from being questioned about the spying controversy surrounding McLaren and Ferrari, autosport.com understands
The Spaniard was scheduled to take part in the Thursday press conference ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, however McLaren had approached the FIA and requested he be allowed to skip the media conference.
"McLaren have asked the FIA to allow Alonso to not show up, and their request has been accepted," the FIA interviewer Bob Constanduros confirmed.
Lewis Hamilton's regular sessions with reporters were also cancelled, although the championship leading rookie went ahead with an engagement for title sponsor Vodafone in Budapest in the morning.
Formula One news coverage over the last few days has been completely dominated by the spying controversy surrounding McLaren and Ferrari.
The tension between the two teams further escalated yesterday after McLaren CEO Ron Dennis accused Ferrari of winning the Australian Grand Prix with an illegal car.
With that in mind, Alonso would have no doubt faced questions from the media about his views regarding the affair and Dennis's claims.
Autosport.com understands McLaren felt this would be unfair towards Alonso, therefore requesting the FIA to release the Spaniard from the press conference.
Sources clarified, however, that Alonso and McLaren teammate Lewis Hamilton will take part in their usual media activities this weekend, but the team will ensure they are "focused on racing and winning."
Be part of the Autosport community
Join the conversationShare Or Save This Story
Why Norris' China F1 sprint pole lap was deleted and reinstated
2024 F1 Chinese GP sprint qualifying results: Norris takes pole
How Bruce McLaren's death shaped more than just his F1 team
Live: F1 Chinese GP updates – Sprint Race & Qualifying
The Haas F1 updates that have bucked a sprint race trend
Long Beach IMSA: Derani takes pole for Cadillac by 0.009s, then wrecks
IndyCar Long Beach: O’Ward leads Power in opening practice
The short-term pain that hides a very real Williams improvement
How a Shanghai to Sheffield journey paved the way for China’s F1 hero
Why F1 2026 worst case fears could be key to new rules success
How the F1 driver market situation sits for each team with 2025 openings
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments