Who can forget that start to the Belgian GP last week? Fernando Alonso certainly didn’t after he called seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton “an idiot” who can “only drive fast when he’s starting first.”   

But it seems like Alonso has finally taken a step back from his comments. After drawing huge criticism from the F1 community for his comments, including a four-time world champion, Sebastian Vettel, the Spaniard has issued an apology to Hamilton.   

The Spaniard confirmed that his comments came out of an overreaction made in the heat of the moment saying, “Nothing I said is true and there are facts that show the opposite. I have absolutely no problems with Lewis. I have huge respect for him.” he said. “He’s a champion, he’s a legend of our time.” 

Alonso also admitted that he was wrong in questioning Hamilton’s driving skills after the pair clashed on the opening lap at Spa. Hamilton, however, confirmed that he had not spoken to Alonso but insisted that the row has already been dismissed.   

The two have been at odds with each other on track for years now, ever since Hamilton made his F1 debut with McLaren in 2007. Although, they do seem to maintain a good relationship off the track. After the on-track incident, Hamilton admitted that it had been his fault. Alonso too mentioned that he would speak to Hamilton ahead of the Dutch GP at Zandvoort.   

Even earlier this week, the Mercedes-AMG team seemed to have prepared a signed cap to give Alonso, which had “For Fernando” written on it. Hamilton had added that he wanted to set an example of behaving in a sporting fashion, saying, “With the cap, it was just a little fun thing. It’s good to have fun sometimes with these things.”   

“I am always trying to be a better driver, also I know there are a lot of young kids that are following me and it’s important the steps I try to take in my behaviour so I am always trying to learn and be better.” he further added.  

Arguably everyone’s favourite driver on the grid, Sebastian Vettel also chimed in on the matter dismissing Alonso’s remarks as unacceptable saying, “We are aware of the fact that radio calls are public and I think it was a very disrespectful comment,” adding “Lewis is one of the fairest drivers on the grid, I don’t think he had any intentions to be unfair and made a mistake. We all make mistakes, even Fernando sometimes makes mistakes.”