Ferrari President Di Montezemolo criticises Alonso over comments

Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo (L) and Fernando Alonso in press conference during the Ferrari Challenge of the Finali Mondiali at the Ricardo Tormo on December 2, 2012 in Cheste, Spain. (Getty Images)

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has criticised Fernando Alonso after he made some comments following the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Alonso finished in fifth place in Hungary and while it is unclear which comments di Montezemolo is referring to, it is the first time he has publicly rebuked his driver.

“There is a need to close ranks, without giving in to rash outbursts that, while understandable in the immediate aftermath of a bad result, are no use to anyone,” read a statement posted on Ferrari’s website.

“That was a reference to the latest comments from Fernando Alonso, which did not go down well with Montezemolo, or with anyone in the team.”

The statement revealed that di Montezemolo called Alonso on Monday morning to wish him a happy birthday and also reminded of his duties.

“All the great champions who have driven for Ferrari have always been asked to put the interests of the team above their own,” di Montezemolo said.

“This is the moment to stay calm, avoid polemics and show humility and determination in making one’s own contribution, standing alongside the team and its people both at the track and outside it.”

Alonso has been linked with a potential move with Red Bull for 2014.

While the Spaniard is contracted to Ferrari until 2016, Alonso did not strongly down play the rumours.