Pedro de la Rosa tells Aston Martin how to handle Fernando Alonso: 'Just be honest'

Fernando Alonso joins Aston Martin for the 2023 Formula 1 season replacing the retiring Sebastian Vettel, and his new team has been warned to have an 'open book honest policy' with the two-time F1 champion.

The 41-year-old Alonso leaves Alpine following a two-year stint with the team to join Aston Martin as part of their plan to be challenging at the top end of the grid for podiums and world titles within the next five years.

The Spaniard has a reputation that he becomes difficult to manage if he does not get his way. But newly-appointed Aston Martin team ambassador Pedro de la Rosa, a close friend of Alonso's, has shot those suggestions.

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Being honest

De La Rosa told media that the trick to dealing with his countryman Alonso was how to approach the driver and always to be honest.

"I don't think that Fernando is a difficult guy to handle," De La Rosa said. "He's just very genuine, very honest.

"The fact that English is not his native tongue sometimes makes him a bit harsh when he tries to describe things. But he's very honest, and what he tells you is what he feels about the car, about the team, about how to be competitive.

"So as long as you always tell him exactly what's going on and what is the truth, you will never have a problem with him. But the moment you try to hide information or he feels you are trying to keep some information aside; you will have problems.

"He is just a very competitive individual. That's the reality. If you are as competitive as him, you won't have any problem with Fernando."

New role in F1

De la Rosa's new ambassador role at Aston Martin puts him in a role of being involved in marketing, PR, Media,