Consistency in the application of the rules is essential in any sport, especially in Formula 1, where every second counts. Unfortunately, Fernando Alonso believes that the FIA, the highest body in motorsports, is not doing so.
The Aston Martin Asturian driver ended up very angry and frustrated after the Miami Grand Prix sprint – which Lando Norris ended up winning – after being involved in an incident in the first corner. This touch hurt Lance Stroll, his teammate, and Norris.
Alonso, who was able to continue in the race from the last position, pointed out Lewis Hamilton as the cause of the crash, although the Briton was not sanctioned by the stewards as he had predicted: “Nothing will happen to him because he is not Spanish.” Thus, Alonso assured that the place of origin of the pilots can have some kind of weight: “I feel that nationality matters.” In fact, Carlos Sainz was penalized with five seconds for a collision with Oscar Piastri.
The pertinent review of Hamilton’s action concluded that no driver could be largely blamed, so the Briton was spared any sanction. On the other hand, the Asturian was clear about what would have happened if he had been the offender: “If I do that, I will surely be penalized.”
Thus, faced with a scenario that raises doubts and considers unfair, Alonso has insisted that he plans to discuss these issues directly with Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA, to ensure that “there is nothing wrong with my nationality or anything that could influence in any decision.” His concern is not only personal, but also protecting the interests of future Spanish pilots in this sport: “They need to be protected.”
These comments come after Alonso received two harsh penalties in previous races, which he considered disproportionate and unfair. At the Australian Grand Prix, the Spaniard was penalized with 20 seconds and three license points after an incident with George Russell.
Likewise, at the Chinese Grand Prix, he received a ten-second penalty and another three points on his license, despite Aston Martin presenting new evidence that they said justified a review of the penalty that was ultimately not accepted.
This type of inconsistency on the part of the FIA, of which Carlos Sainz has also been involved, is what drives Alonso to seek clarity and equity in the treatment of infractions, ensuring that decisions are made fairly and without apparent favoritism. .
