Aston Martin make Fernando Alonso appeal decision as huge penalty proves costly

27 March 2024 , 09:29

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George Russell crashed out of the Australian Grand Prix late on (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Aston Martin will not appeal the decision to slap Fernando Alonso with a huge penalty after the Australian Grand Prix.

But team principal Mike Krack said the decision was "a bitter pill to swallow". The penalty knocked Alonso, who had finished the Melbourne race sixth on the road, down to eighth in the final classification, costing him and his team valuable points.

It came after George Russell crashed out while trying to hunt Alonso down late in the race. The cars did not make contact but the Briton lost control of his Mercedes close behind the Aston Martin and hit a wall, before the car flipped up onto its side and came to rest in the middle of the track.

Data showed Alonso had slowed down before the corner much earlier than he had done so on any previous lap during the race. He argued that he had "he intended to approach Turn Six differently, lifting earlier, and with less speed into the corner, to get a better exit".

But the stewards said his actions amounted to "potentially dangerous" driving, even if they accepted that he had the right to change his approach to that corner. So, the standard 10-second punishment was deemed unsatisfactory and the 20-second sanction was handed out.

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The penalty has proven divisive in the paddock and has been a hot topic of debate among fans on social media. Alonso and Aston Martin have the right to appeal the decision but, in a statement to fans, Krack has now confirmed that they will not be exercising that right.

Posted on the team's social media channels, the statement read: "Firstly, in motorsport, everyone is relieved that George was okay and walked away after his accident. I want you to know that we fully support Fernando. 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.

"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 [Perez]. This is the art of motorsport at the highest level. He would never put anyone in harm's way."

Daniel Moxon