Fernando Alonso believes that drivers should be role models for the public.

The Spaniard stated that Formula 1 drivers must accept their role as public role models and therefore control their frustration, a remark made in response to the altercation between the FIA and Verstappen during the Singapore Grand Prix.

Fernando Alonso has once again found himself at odds with his peers, this time over the growing importance placed on drivers' conduct in the sport. While the majority of drivers supported Max Verstappen after the Dutchman was sentenced to community service for using foul language at a press conference in Singapore, the two-time champion backed the FIA's stricter stance, arguing that modern F1 drivers must control their emotions for the good of the sport, which is attracting more and more young fans.

Speaking at an Aston Martin-sponsored event in Chennai, India, Alonso explained why he believes drivers are “role models” and must behave accordingly. “The fans give you a huge responsibility,” he said. “Whether you like it or not, you are a role model, so you have to restrain yourself when you feel like saying something inappropriate and remain politically correct.” For the Spaniard, respectful language is a way of thanking fans and protecting the image of a sport that now reaches millions of people around the world. Alonso's view of fan expectations is rooted in his own experience as an idol. “People tell me that I am their source of inspiration, that I never give up, that I am a fighter,” he recalls. “It reminds you that a lot of eyes are on you and that you have to act accordingly.” His comments come as the FIA announced its intention to crack down on foul language on the starting grid, a rule Verstappen broke when he called his car “rotten” at a press conference, prompting president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to hand him a community service penalty. Most drivers and Red Bull criticized the penalty as too harsh, but Alonso defended it, pointing out that drivers are watched by a global audience and cannot speak without consequence. The champion's perspective is also influenced by his unusual path into the world of motor racing. It wasn't him who chose the sport, but his father. “I was three years old when I took part in my first karting race,” Alonso admitted, adding that his mother was less enthusiastic than his father. “Originally, I wanted to be a professional soccer player. I played goalkeeper and enjoyed it more than racing on weekends. ” But the limited number of places in F1 (only twenty drivers compared to thousands in soccer) eventually convinced him. “It was more exclusive, more attractive,” he said. Now 43, Alonso acknowledges that his Formula 1 career is coming to an end, but his ambitions remain high. He still dreams of winning a third world title, winning the Monaco Grand Prix, conquering Le Mans, and completing the “triple crown” of motorsports with a victory at the Indy 500, a goal that has eluded him after three attempts. “I don't plan to compete in Indy again for the time being,” he explains, pointing out that at 45 or 46, the learning curve would be too steep. Instead, the Dakar Rally could become his next big challenge after retirement. Beyond the track, Alonso is looking to fill a personal void: “I don't have children yet and I would like to start a family in the next few years.” As he balances the final chapters of his F1 career with his future aspirations, his stance on driver conduct underscores a broader message: the heroes of the sport must combine their prowess on the track with their responsibility off it.