December 30, 2024
Fernando Alonso: Aston Martin will not appeal Spaniard’s penalty given after George Russell crash
Aston Martin will not appeal the penalty against Fernando Alonso at last weekend’s Australian Grand Prix for “potentially dangerous” driving.
The two-time world champion was handed a 20-second penalty which dropped him from sixth to eighth in Melbourne.
He braked unusually early into turn six at Albert Park on the penultimate lap and Mercedes driver George Russell, who was following close behind, crashed.
Aston Martin boss Mike Krack said the team had to “accept the decision”.
“I want you to know that we fully support Fernando,” Krack said in a message to fans on social media.
“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.”
After the race Alonso, 42, told stewards he had “got it slightly wrong”, but said later on social media he was “surprised” by the decision.
Briton Russell, 26, lost control and ended with his car on its side in the middle of the track, leading to the race ending under a virtual safety car.
Krack said Alonso had been “using every tool in his toolbox” to finish ahead of Russell and said the Spaniard would “never put anyone in harm’s way”. – bbc.com
