Vettel Admits Tensed Relationship with Alonso

Ferrari fans worldwide would undoubtedly fancy a Sebastian Vettel – Fernando Alonso lineup in the near future, but that's unlikely to happen given the not so rosy relationship between the two drivers. And this is not just another allegation issued by the media, but the very unveilings of the reigning world champion, who admitted he doesn't quite see eye to eye with the Spaniard.

“We did have some problems,” said Vettel in an interview published by La Stampa in Italy. “But the event was judged by outsiders wrongly, and Fernando and I have since spoken and our relationship is now good,” he insisted.

“Two people can have different ideas but still respect each other.”

Additionally, Vettel told the media once again that Alonso was one of the few people not to congratulate him on the title won last season. Following the Abu Dhabi finale last season, the two did not exchange a word, and it was only at the FIA prize giving Gala in Monaco that the 2-time world champion shook Vettel's hand.

“Nothing in Abu Dhabi. In Monte Carlo (for the FIA prize giving) he shook my hand,” added Vettel. “That's normal. If you win, others are disappointed and some need 5 minutes to move past it, others two weeks.”

Prior to this interview, Vettel has made some joking comments on Ferrari and Fernando Alonso, saying that he'd happily send the Spaniard on a one-year vacation so that he can drive his Ferrari in F1. Later on, he explained to the reporters that he joked and what he really meant was that Ferrari have a strong car this season.

He even shared with the media his thoughts on the 2011 title rivals, saying that Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso are in pole position to challenging his crown. “Massa and Alonso are looking strong. Then McLaren and Mercedes,” he said.