KEY POINTS:
The lessons are coming thick and fast for F1 leader and hot rookie Lewis Hamilton, not least in the potent demonstration of power politics being played by the man on the other side of the McLaren garage, Fernando Alonso.
The world champion is delivering a masterclass in how
to bring influence to bear. Alonso is miffed to be trailing Hamilton. He refuses to accept he may be second best.
His outburst on Spanish radio, alleging an English bias at McLaren towards Hamilton, was not well received by the hard men of F1.
Yet far from retreating from his position, Alonso reiterated his complaints with bells on in the Indianapolis paddock, a move intended to jar cages at the top of the McLaren food chain. His beef appears to be technical and procedural, to do with the way the team execute race weekends and testing.
Alonso would not give details, saying only that he has made his feelings known.
"There is no civil war," he said. "I never said anything against the team. What I said was that I was not totally comfortable. To be totally comfortable with the team, there are things missing that I've talked to them about and that I think are necessary.
"Things need to be done the way I think they need to be done. There are things that I thought would be different which are not. The team have their reasons, their philosophy. I can agree with it or not.
"I think it will come with time. I hope so because, as I said, the philosophy of the team is clear. It has been always like this. I think we all need to accommodate ourselves in the new position. Sometimes it is not easy to get used to things in a very short time."
The Canadian Grand Prix proved a calamity for Alonso. As a result, Indianapolis, a circuit around which he has historically struggled, has acquired critical significance. Should he fall further behind Hamilton tomorrow, a deficit that already stands at eight points, could play havoc with a troubled mind.
Alonso has been careful not to personalise issues, yet the tone of his comments about Hamilton betray his concerns.
"I've had strong team-mates before, like [Jarno] Trulli in 2004. I was behind him in the middle of the championship and I finished ahead of him in the end. And I've won a title ahead of [Kimi] Raikkonen and another one ahead of Michael Schumacher, so I'm not easily surprised."
Alonso was marginally quicker than Hamilton in Canada before making the mistake on his final qualifying lap that proved costly. He was rapid again in practice at Indianapolis, posting a time 0.7s better than his team-mate in the weekend's opening practice session.
The difference must be understood in terms of Hamilton's inexperience. Yesterday was his first glimpse of the Old Brickyard. He is a quick learner.
Nevertheless, Alonso has brought his A game. He has reached a defining moment in the season and has unleashed all weapons at his disposal, political and otherwise. His electric pace around a circuit where he has never finished better than fifth confirmed his intent. He was making a statement with every lap.
"I want to win this year's championship," Alonso said. "I am 100 per cent confident I can do it. The American races have been a nightmare for me. So, especially at this race with the new team, I want to be on the podium this weekend."