Fernando Alonso has responded to Sebastian Vettel after he suggested the Spaniard “never really liked me”.
During the years of Red Bull domination when the German won his four Formula 1 titles, Alonso was twice runner-up in 2010 and 2012 missing out in last round deciders.
Since then, it has often been considered that the double world champion doesn’t rate Vettel’s achievements because of having a superior car, and even the now-Ferrari driver thought that was the case.
“I don’t mind. I don’t know why… I don’t think he never really liked me,” Vettel said when asked if he’d like to see Alonso return.
“I don’t think we really had a… I don’t mind him.
“I respect him for what he achieved and for what he can do on the track. I don’t know. I guess he’s bored if he has time to write these things. So bring him back, I don’t mind.”
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The man who he replaced at Ferrari in 2015, claimed that perception wasn’t true, however.
“I feel bad that he thinks like that,” he said conducting a Q&A with fans on Instagram. “I heard that but it’s not true at all, I feel bad that he thinks like that.
“We always respected each other and had a very pleasant relationship. Perhaps it was because of the press, the situation, but I repeat that it’s the opposite.”
As for the prospect of returning to F1, the 38-year-old has regularly said the desire isn’t there for now but he also doesn’t rule it out.
“I’ve been a little surprised by how many people have talked about it recently,” Alonso said during an online chat with Spanish media.
“I had the best first half of the season possible. I won a world championship, Daytona, Sebring, Le Mans. If one day I want to come back, you will know it.”