Fernando Alonso "feels stupid" for following F1's opening-lap rules

Austrian Grand Prix

Alonso 'feels stupid' for following F1's opening-lap rules

Alonso lost positions on lap one in Austria as cars ran wide at the first corner

Ian Parkes & Ewan Gale

Tuesday 6 July 2021 13:28

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Fernando Alonso has joined the list of drivers to complain about the way F1's rules and regulations were enforced over the Austrian Grand Prix.

Two-time champion Alonso fought from 14th on the grid to finish 10th at the Red Bull Ring, overtaking George Russell with three laps remaining to steal the final points-paying position from the Williams.

The Alpine driver was, however, disappointed with being overtaking by McLaren's Daniel Ricciardo and Charles Leclerc in his Ferrari at turn one, alledging the pair overtook him off the racing circuit while he followed protocol.

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"We raced two times here in two weekends and I was the only one overtaking cars at the start, braking very late into turn one on the inside," said Alonso.

"I overtook Ricciardo and Leclerc this time and they went off track at the exit of turn one and they exit in front of me.

"Even more than that, they take the run into the next car in front in the slipstream into turn three so I don't know. I felt that was very unfair.

"I was into turn one in front of Charles and Ricciardo and I exit turn one 50 metres behind Ricciardo. I was the only one making the corner so you feel a little bit stupid."

Alonso states rule not a "grey area"

F1 and the FIA have relaxed how penalties are distributed on lap one of grands prix because of the close proximity of the 20 cars charging for the same piece of track.

Asked if he felt there was confusion over the incident because it was on the first lap, Alonso replied: "No, I don't think so.

"I think it is written and it is quite clear that on the first lap they are a little bit more flexible on penalties and track limits because we are fighting.

"So sometimes you are forced to go outside the track because you are fighting and you are forced by another car and you take the run-off area, but it was not the case.

"It was just a pure performance decision to go outside and keep the throttle on, there was no one side by side so I don't think that is a grey area. That was quite clear."