Fernando Alonso HITS OUT at Max Verstappen over swearing row and insists that F1 drivers must live up to their ‘role model’ status – after fellow drivers backed penalised world champion

Fernando Alonso has issued a clear warning to Max Verstappen over his X-rated language, as the Red Bull ace continues to be irritated by team infighting.

The defending champion was recently reprimanded ahead of the Singapore GP for swearing during a televised press conference when questioned about qualifying problems at the previous race.

Verstappen was handed a punishment equivalent to the sport’s version of community service by the FIA, which it is hoped will act as a deterrent against other future outbursts.

The majority of drivers have backed Verstappen over the incident, along with those on the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) WhatsApp group, who believe the sanction is draconian and are urging the Dutchman to have his public service sentence not to be fulfilled.

However, Alonso has now broken ranks by going against his fellow drivers and warning Verstappen about his future language choices.

Fernando Alonso (right) has gone against other drivers by warning Max Verstappen (left) against swearing

Alonso (left) has told Verstappen (middle) to be careful with the language he uses during race weekends

Lewis Hamilton (pictured) is among the drivers who have backed Verstappen after the FIA ​​punished the Red Bull CEO for swearing

Alonso has had a mixed season at Aston Martin, but as the most experienced racer on the grid he is usually spotted by other drivers who are keen not to get on his wrong side.

Warning Verstappen, Alonso said: ‘The fans give us a huge responsibility because we are role models for many people. So we must behave well.

‘You have to be willing to be a role model when you want to be, but also when you don’t want to be.

‘If you want to say something that is wrong, you have to control yourself, put on the brakes and be politically correct.

‘At this level you realize that many people look up to us. If you are a driver or someone else with a public position, you just have to behave.’

Cursing is common during race broadcasts as drivers express frustration at mid-race struggles and many have defended Verstappen’s latest outburst.

The three-time world champion faces his toughest season in years, with Verstappen still at the top of the Drivers’ Championship but winless since the Spanish GP and his lead over Lando Norris reduced to just 52 points with six races to go.

Alonso has had a mixed season at Aston Martin as the team looks to make improvements

While understanding the fierce competitiveness of the sport, Alonso continued to explain that drivers have certain standards that they must uphold both on and off the track.

He added: ‘The fans have to believe in you. They say to you: ‘You are my inspiration, you never give up, you are a fighter’.

“This reminds us that there are so many fans in the world who follow Formula 1 and we must always keep that in mind.

“The fans give you so much love and motivation, but that comes with responsibility.”