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Fernando Alonso calls out FIA for lack of consistency

Alpine's Spanish driver Fernando Alonso attends a press conference at the Intercity Istanbul Park in Istanbul on October 7, 2021, ahead of the Turkish Formula One Grand Prix. (Photo by Sedat Suna / various sources / AFP) (Photo by SEDAT SUNA/AFP via Getty Images)

Fernando Alonso criticized the FIA for the inconsistent penalty system during the season. Alonso went wide into the first corner at the Russian Grand Prix, avoiding losing positions on the track. Ahead of the Turkish GP, Alonso defended his driving and attacked the FIA.

Throughout the season, Alonso often complained of a lack of consistency from FIA stewards. For example, in Austria, Daniel Ricciardo went outside of the track in Turn 1, overtaking Alonso. This, amongst other situations, left Alonso furious.

“To confirm when I do things, they have different behavior and a different repercussion on the following event. So now, maybe they change the run-off area in the first couple of corners. I remember Austria 1 and Austria 2, and nothing happened. There were no questions on the following race.”

Fernando Alonso

Alonso thinks FIA has nationality bias

In addition, the Spaniard mentioned Lando Norris and his pit lane incident in Sochi. In the closing phase of the race, Norris missed the pit entry and crossed the white line. Typically, the stewards punish the driver for crossing the white line on pit entry and exit. However, Norris only received a reprimand.

“There are different rules for different people, or different, let’s say, talks the week after for different people. Let’s see, the next one that crosses the white line on the pit entry, let’s see which nationality he is and which penalty he will get.”

Fernando Alonso

It’s not unusual that Alonso disagrees with FIA’s politics. For example, Alonso disagreed with Max Verstappen’s grid penalty from Monza, saying that the crash was a racing incident. Moreover, Alonso harshly criticized Formula 1 after they canceled Belgium GP.

After a slow start to the season, Alonso has been one of the most impressive drivers in the last ten races. Out of ten races, Alonso scored points in nine of them. However, unlike his teammate Esteban Ocon, Alonso is still waiting on his first podium finish of the season.

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