The Aston Martin Formula 1 team has confirmed it won’t pursue a right of review request into the penalty handed to Fernando Alonso in the Australian Grand Prix.
Alonso was handed a 20-second time drop as the FIA Stewards determined that his “potentially dangerous” driving had contributed to George Russell’s late crash.
Onboards showed that Alonso had slowed on the approach to Turn 6 as Russell’s Mercedes closed in at a rapid rate when he lost control and hit the barriers hard.
In a statement posted on Aston Martin’s socials, Team Principal Mike Krack declared the side backs Alonso but has no relevant new evidence to lodge an appeal.
“Firstly, in motorsport everyone is relieved that George was okay and walked away after his accident. I want you to know we fully support Fernando,” Krack said.
“He is the most experienced driver in Formula 1. He has competed in more grands prix than anyone else and has more than 20 years of experience. He is a multiple World Champion in multiple categories.
“To receive a 20-second time penalty when there was no contact with the following car has been a bitter pill to swallow, but we have to accept the decision.
“We made our best case but without new evidence we are unable to request a right of review.”
Krack contended that Alonso’s strategical moves to keep Russell behind were equivalent to the tactics that saw him beat Sergio Perez to the podium in Brazil last term.
“Fernando is a phenomenal racer and he was using every tool in his toolbox to finish ahead of George – just like we saw in Brazil last year with Sergio,” Krack continued.
Echoing Alonso’s words in a social media post on Sunday, Krack called Alonso’s driving “the art of motorsport at the highest level. He would never put anyone in harm’s way.”
It’s quite possible that in a not very distant future we will see drivers being penalized for overtaking their rivals, whenever and wherever it occurs. Overtaking is one of the most potentially dangerous maneuvers in motorsport, isn’t it?
Yes indeed, overtaking is the potentially most dangerous moment in motorsport. Hence the order at the flag will be the same as in Qualy, so the race becomes unnecessary. Very much in line with the sustainability pledge F1 is making…