In an interview with Brazilian Fox Sports ahead of this weekend’s race in Interlagos, Williams driver Massa reveals he swore at Alonso in jest – just before the Mexican national anthem.

“There was a discussion at the US GP,” said Massa. “After the race I left the track and he didn't want to go with me, because he knew I was pissed. I think the stewards were sleeping that day.

“In the next race [Mexico] at the moment of the anthem, drivers are next to each other and my place is right next to him.

“I arrived late, I stayed there, he looked at me and he was awkward, and gave me hug. Then I looked at him and said, ‘You were a son of a bitch... but I like you.’

“Then he started to laugh.”

Alonso “very different behind me”

Massa, who was teammate to Alonso at Ferrari throughout the Spaniard’s five-year stint at the Scuderia, went on to suggest that their relationship was not always as straightforward as it seemed.

"I don't have any frustration with him,” said Massa of Alonso. “He always treated me very well when we're not in the car.

“In front of me he was always nice. It's true that sometimes behind me, he was very different from what he was in front of me.”