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Fernando Alonso almost got McLaren staff fired for this outrageous move
Former McLaren F1 engineer Mark Slade has shared a fascinating anecdote about Fernando Alonso, revealing how Alonso tried to share his winnings with McLaren staff during the 2007 season. Alonso, a two-time world champion, joined McLaren for the 2007 season after success with Renault in 2005 and 2006. A tense rivalry with rookie teammate Lewis Hamilton ensued, culminating in a close championship battle that ended with Kimi Raikkonen as the victor. The season was also marred by off-track drama, including the spygate scandal. Alonso left McLaren after one season, returned in 2015 when things were more harmonious, and eventually departed again. Slade recounted how Alonso tried to give €1000 to each staff member, only for team management to demand the money back and forbid such actions in the future.
