Formula 1 Race Director Charlie Whiting has defended the penalty issued to Fernando Alonso at the Japanese Grand Prix, which provoked frustration from the McLaren driver.
Alonso was edged wide by Williams rival Lance Stroll on the opening lap at Suzuka as the duo approached the Casio Triangle, and Alonso took to the grass and gravel to re-join.
Stewards deemed that Alonso had gained an advantage in doing so and slapped him with a five-second time penalty.
Alonso hit out after the race, labelling the penalty “ridiculous”, “difficult to understand”, and said it “shows how bad Formula 1 is.”
Whiting played down Alonso’s response and explained why the McLaren driver had been sanctioned.
“I think the stewards felt it was perfectly clear what Fernando did,” said Whiting.
“He cut the chicane, drove quickly across the gravel, came back on well in front.
“I think that was pretty clear that he had gained an advantage by leaving the track.
“The stewards, however, felt that Stroll had actually forced Fernando off. You couldn’t say that because Fernando was forced off, he was entitled to cut the chicane. He wasn’t.
“He shouldn’t have taken the place by doing it, but equally, Stroll shouldn’t have pushed him off the track.
“They felt that each driver should be given a five-second penalty for two separate offences.”
Alonso went on to finish in 14th position, with Stroll the last of the classified runners in 17th spot.
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