There is nothing like a good old-fashioned debate to stir up the F1 paddock, and ahead of this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, that has been provided by the penalty handed out to Fernando Alonso after the last race in Australia.
Alonso was handed a retrospective drive-through penalty, amounting to 20 seconds, that demoted him from sixth to eighth for what the stewards deemed was ‘potentially dangerous driving’ as the Spaniard’s actions resulted in George Russell crashing into a barrier and ending up on his side in his Mercedes in the middle of the circuit.
But what at face value appeared to be a straightforward sanction given the outcome has instead divided opinion amongst their F1 rivals, with some wholeheartedly in agreement, like Nico Hulkenberg who was left far from impressed with Alonso’s tactics.
Others such as McLaren’s Lando Norris was adamant there should have been no penalty, and instead, Russell should have been more aware of the game the two-time champion was playing.
The incident is certain to be debated in the drivers’ briefing at Suzuka on Friday evening following the day’s two practice sessions.
But what do you think? Was the penalty correct, or do you feel that Alonso was harshly done by given there was no contact between himself and Russell?
Give us your verdict in the poll below, and also your thoughts, with the best of those given a mention when we announce a result over the weekend.
