Fernando Alonso dissatisfied with Formula 1 due to inconsistent rules at track barriers

Clive Mason – Formula 1Getty Images

Alpine F1 driver Fernando Alonso did not have a particularly successful Formula 1 US Grand Prix.

On his first appearance on the Circuit of the Americas since 2018, Alonso started the Sunday race in Austin, Texas due to an engine change from behind and had to retire due to a rear wing problem.

However, the early exit did not prevent Alonso from having an eventful time and even spitting one more time with the Formula 1 race stewards. Here, too, the topic revolved around track boundaries and race etiquette.

In Austria, at the beginning of the year, Alonso was frustrated by competitors who used the asphalt run-off on the first lap to gain positions. Alonso felt that he had been “stupid” not to take the same approach as no penalties were imposed.

A similar situation arose in Russia, where his approach to corner one – going to the runoff to maximize his chances – attracted attention. He quipped that there are different rules for different people.

At the US Grand Prix in Austin, while defending against Kimi Raikkonen, the duo came close through Turn 1 and brushed the sidewalls as they rounded the hairpin. Raikkonen used the sidelines and runoff to stay committed and seal the position at Turn 2, but the stewards felt no investigation needed and were allowed to keep the pitch. For two champions, one of whom will retire in a couple of months, the battle for 13th place has been a long one.

Elsewhere in the race, including when Alonso tried to overtake Raikkonen’s Alfa Romeo teammate Antonio Giovinazzi at Turn 12, drivers who took advantage of the runoff were asked to surrender their positions. The inconsistency shook Alonso.

“Well, I think he passed me off the track,” said Alonso, referring to Raikkonen. “The rule is very clear. We just have to make the rule. In (soccer), if you hand the ball into the penalty area, it is a penalty. There is no clarification of the rule. All you have to do is make the decision and say it is a penalty. Because if not, everyone is in the penalty area with the ball in hand. “

In reality it was an aggressive defense for Alonso as the light contact was enough to damage Raikkonen’s Alfa Romeo. Räikkönen, on tires that wear out faster due to the loss of downforce, later spun out of 10th place in the final phase. But Alonso was still interested in highlighting the situation.

“In a way, you always force a guy to deviate from the track when you brake inside: you commit to overtaking,” said Alonso. “And the outsiders have to decide whether to retreat or leave full throttle off the track outside of the track. That is what (Carlos) Sainz did. (Antonio) Giovinazzi did it, I did it. And we definitely have to give up that position again, because you’re driving off the track at full throttle. But Kimi didn’t. That’s why I felt like it wasn’t consistent. I lost about 10 seconds doing all of these things and obviously the point opportunities were gone.

“I missed Turn 1 in Sochi and that was a hot topic on Thursday in Turkey. Here, without forcing people too far, three cars drove out of turn 1 of their own accord. Let’s see if (in) Mexico (it) is a hot topic. Or everything is just fine because Fernando has not thrown any (places) off track. ”

Formula 1 race director Michael Masi understood Alonso’s predicament, but explained the attitude.

“I can understand his frustration,” said Masi. “The conversation with him and Kimi was certainly marginal and we will discuss it at the next driver meeting, as the story consisted of two parts, namely overtaking and turning. We will discuss it as a group at the next meeting. “

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