F1 News: Fernando Alonso questions nationality BIAS in FIA decisions

Fernando Alonso

Alonso questions nationality BIAS in FIA decisions

Fernando Alonso continues to criticise stewarding decisions in 2024.

Sheona Mountford F1 Journalist

Motorsport journalist working in F1 since 2024.

Thursday 16 May 2024 20:57

Fernando Alonso has hit out at what he deems ‘strange’ and 'inconsistent' stewarding from the FIA.

The Spanish driver has openly criticised the stewarding this season, stating they have demonstrated nationality bias when handing out penalties.

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Alonso was awarded a 20-second penalty at the Australian Grand Prix for “potentially dangerous driving” following an incident with George Russell.

Alonso was additionally penalised for making contact with Carlos Sainz during the sprint race in China, earning 10-seconds and three penalty points added to his licence.

Fernando Alonso has been critical of recent stewarding decisions

Alonso continues to criticise FIA decisions

Following an incident with Hamilton at the Miami Grand Prix, Alonso suggested the British driver would not be penalised because he “isn’t Spanish”.

According to Autosport the Aston Martin driver stated he would “speak to the FIA” about the stewarding decisions.

"I need to make sure that there isn't anything wrong with my nationality or anything that can influence any decision. Not only for me, also for the future generation of Spanish drivers. They need to be protected,” he said.

When asked about the ongoing saga ahead of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, Alonso remained critical and described their decisions as ‘strange’.

“We are in the process of discussing more things between drivers, the FIA, the stewards, the future regulations, future driving standards and yeah I think the penalties were a little bit again inconsistent from our view,” Alonso said to the media including GPFans.

Fernando Alonso described recent stewarding decisions as 'strange'

“When there is an accident or there is an investigation one part will think one way and one will think the other because this is the nature of our sport.

"But we had few cases, especially the past two or three years, where both parties they think something and the referee thinks another way, which is the strange thing in the sport.

“So this is something we need to work on.”

Lewis Hamilton FIA George Russell Carlos Sainz Fernando Alonso Miami Grand Prix