If you will allow me to be so bold as to reject Fernando Alonso's explanation of events on Saturday, and instead accept the steward’s version, then some interesting questions pop up. Why did Alonso feel the need to block Lewis Hamilton? Did he plan it, or was it a quick decision fuelled by adrenaline?

Alonso's problem is that he his heart rules his the head. He has always been emotional and impulsive, but at Renault he was comfortably on top. He dominated his team-mates and knew that he was No.1. Everything that could be done was being done. Now he has joined McLaren, a team where he expected to be No.1, understandably seeing as he was now a double world champion.

As Hamilton emerged as a serious talent and contender for the world title, Alonso became more concerned. Comments to the media began flying from both sides, with Alonso initially declaring he was more worried about the pace of the Ferraris than that of his team-mate.

'Actions speak louder than words, and Alonso, for the most part, has been doing it on the track'


After a convincing Monaco win, when Hamilton was 'denied' the chance to beat Alonso, it was claimed Alonso was the golden boy at McLaren. At the next race weekend, Alonso let slip his true feelings - that he wasn't  "completely comfortable" and that he "knew all the support and help would go his [Hamilton’s] way".

Hamilton responded by posting back-to-back wins, holding off an increasingly desperate Alonso at Indianapolis. As the Ferraris came back, winning in France and in Britain, the rift faded into the background, but Alonso has thrown it back into the full glare of the media spotlight, with the result being Hamilton's aside: "He doesn't seem to be speaking to me."

I am surprised in some ways by Alonso's conduct this season. He has form, of course. His "Formula 1 is not a sport" comment, at a time when Michael Schumacher was putting huge pressure on him, was telling. But it seems as if he is trying to find excuses as to why he is being beaten by a rookie. While Hamilton is very media savvy, saying the right thing and keeping to the party line, Alonso uses the media to express his anger and displeasure. This makes good news copy, but it causes a distraction for his team at a time where they need to focus.

However, actions speak louder than words, and Alonso, for the most part, has been doing it on the track. Having claimed three wins this season (the same number as Hamilton), he knows he is just as quick. So why the need to block Hamilton? Did he feel that Hamilton was better than he was? Hungary, like Monaco, can be won at qualifying, so perhaps Alonso saw his chance. I don't expect that he ever considered he would be punished for it, or that it would become such an issue. But it has, and it has revealed a lot about Alonso's mindset. He feels Hamilton is just as quick on track, and must use cunning and daring to win.

Hamilton is not entirely without blame. He ignored team orders as it was he who should have pitted first. He wanted the last lap and Alonso made him pay. Alonso wanted a properly clear track for his shot at pole, and was not going to let Hamilton interfere. Alonso paid the price and Hamilton strode to a third Grand Prix victory.

If anything, Alonso should just sit back and reflect upon the entire situation. Both drivers are fiercely competitive, as all are at the highest level. The difference between the two is that Hamilton is composed while Alonso blurts out his feelings to anyone with a microphone nearby. Perhaps Alonso should try to change this approach in future, although that would make for a less interesting sport at a time where cars are finding it more and more difficult to overtake. Alonso found that out as he was stuck behind Ralf Schumacher for a large chunk of the race.

There is an element of childishness to the Alonso/Hamilton feud. Alonso has allowed the situation to escalate by making unnecessary comments to the media. Hamilton has tried to avoid the situation, but on some occasions, such as on Saturday when he told Ron Dennis to "******* swivel", his actions have not helped.

I expect Alonso to stay at McLaren for at least the next season. If he wins the title this year he will be be calmed as he will have beaten Hamilton, despite all the 'help' he has been receiving. It has become something of a soap opera and has provided a fascinating backdrop to a great title race.