Fernando Alonso has expressed a different opinion from many in the Formula 1 paddock regarding Max Verstappen's swearing controversy.
While many drivers and officials supported Verstappen, who received a penalty for calling his Red Bull "f**ked" during a FIA press conference in Singapore, Alonso took a more measured stance.
"Think of the moments when you don't feel like training or don't want to prepare for the next weekend. You still have to do it," Alonso said when asked about Lewis Hamilton's suggestion that Verstappen refuse to complete his community service.
"You have a responsibility to yourself, to your fans, and to everyone who believes in you," the two-time world champion added during a sponsor event in India.
Alonso also emphasized that drivers like Verstappen must maintain their behavior within acceptable limits.
"The fans give us a huge responsibility because we are role models for many people," Alonso said. "So we have to behave well."
"You have to be prepared to be a role model when you want to be, and when you don't want to be, as well. When you want to say something that is not correct, you have to control yourself, put on the brakes, and be politically correct."
Alonso, the oldest driver on the grid, highlighted the fact that being a public figure means living up to certain expectations.
"At this level, you realize that a lot of people are looking up to us. If you are a driver or someone else with a public function, you just have to behave," he continued.
"Fans can give you a lot of love, a lot of motivation, but there are also certain expectations," Alonso said. "Sometimes you just have to hold back."
"The fans have to believe in you. They tell 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 following Formula 1, and we must always keep that in mind."
"The fans give you so much love, motivation, but that comes with responsibility," Alonso concluded.
