Briatore slams Alesi for mocking Alonso

Flavio Briatore has blasted former F1 and Ferrari driver Jean Alesi, who mocked Fernando Alonso during the Chinese Grand Prix last weekend.

Media reports say Frenchman Alesi joked that Alonso “fainted again” when he was lapped by the two Ferraris on Sunday.

Briatore hit back: “In five years, Fernando finished [the championship] second three times, losing one time due to someone else’s error. Alesi got no results for Ferrari.”

Former F1 driver Emanuele Pirro, however, told RAI radio it is no coincidence that Ferrari’s resurgence happened straight after the departure of Alonso, “Two decisive changes by Ferrari were the engine, and the driver.”

“Alonso had become more of a problem than an asset because he was always dissatisfied,” said Pirro, a former Benetton driver.

“Now a young and enthusiastic driver who is always smiling [Sebastian Vettel] has come and he is driving so well. In Bahrain, where it will be hot, the Ferrari will be very good again,” he added.