Fernando Alonso of the Aston Martin F1 Team AMR24 remains undeterred by the 20-second time penalty he received during the Australian Grand Prix. The Formula 1 veteran asserts that this penalty will not alter the approach drivers take to racing.
Alonso’s penalty was a result of his defensive driving tactics at Turn 6 of the Albert Park circuit, which led to George Russell’s crash on the final lap. Analysis of the data revealed that Alonso braked earlier than usual upon entering Turn 6, then accelerated before ultimately slowing down to successfully navigate the turn.
Russell, caught off guard by Alonso’s defensive maneuver, lost control of his Mercedes and crashed out of the Grand Prix. However, opinions regarding the application of the penalty are divided. While the Mercedes driver believes that not penalizing Alonso would have created complications for the rest of the season and lower categories, Alonso himself acknowledges that the penalty came as a surprise.
The Spaniard further states, “We must accept it and focus on [Japan].” He believes that the penalty will not significantly alter their driving style or approach to racing. Alonso emphasizes that there is no obligation to maintain the same pace throughout all 57 laps. Variations in speed are common in order to conserve fuel, tires, or battery power. Additionally, adjusting speed in certain corners or sectors of the track to provide the car behind with the DRS (Drag Reduction System) can be a strategic advantage if that car is faster.
Alonso concludes by asserting that these tactics are completely normal in motorsport and have been, are, and will continue to be a part of the sport. He considers the penalty to be an isolated incident that will not be repeated in the future.
Alonso contended that the primary issue concerning the incident was not his driving tactics, but rather the nature of Turn 6 at Albert Park. This particular section of the track is characterized by high speeds and a close wall on the exit.
“The main concern is Turn 6 in Australia,” he expressed.
“At the moment, it’s not the safest corner on that track.
“We witnessed an accident last year involving Alex [Albon] during the race, and this year in free practice where he damaged the chassis.
“Even in F2, Dennis [Hauger] crashed there as well, and of course, George in the race.
“For me, that’s a more significant aspect to address for next year, rather than focusing on what the driver ahead of me can or cannot do.”
The nature of the corner undeniably increased the likelihood of a crash in Russell’s case, as he himself admitted to being “caught by surprise” by Alonso.
With a sudden oversteer, the Mercedes driver swiftly collided with the wall.
When asked, Alonso confidently stated that if Russell had been at a circuit like Abu Dhabi with ample runoff areas, he would have rejoined the track a few meters later and attempted to overtake him on the following lap or straight.
“There wouldn’t have been any issue,” he emphasized.