Alonso: F2 more fun than 'nonsense' F1

Fernando Alonso said the bizarre qualifying for the Russian Grand Prix was "nonsense" and said those in attendance will have only been entertained by the day's Formula 2 feature race. Alonso was one of five drivers not to properly take part in qualifying due to impending grid penalties.

Alonso and Brendon Hartley dropped out of Q1 knowing their efforts were somewhat futile, with Pierre Gasly, Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen then not taking part in a Q2 session made somewhat farcical when Renault opted not to run Nico Hulkenberg and Carlos Sainz in order to preserve free tyre choice – meaning the five cars eliminated in the session did not complete a single lap between them.

Renault's decision followed a Singapore Grand Prix in which those able to avoid using the hypersoft tyre on the opening lap made gains in the midfield – none more so than Alonso, who finished 11th in Marina Bay.

But the Spaniard was frustrated to see the penalty system have such an impact on Saturday's on-track action.

"For us [the drivers] it's OK, this is what we're used to and we follow whatever," said Alonso.

"For the fans, it's maybe a problem. It's more asking the fans what they think to have a nonsense Q1 and a not very important Q2.

"At least I think they enjoyed the F2 race. It's definitely the most fun part of the day for the spectator."

Renault team principal Cyril Abiteboula dmitted that the team's strategy was "awkward", but hopes it will be a force for change.

"It's a bit strange, a bit awkward to decide voluntarily not to try your best," Abiteboul told Motorsport.com.

"It does say something in my opinion about the whole situation between penalties and tyres and degradation and starting tyres being your Q2 tyres and so forth.

"If anything it sends a small message to all the people setting the rules."

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