F1 News: Former Champion Jumps To Fernando Alonso's Defense After George Russell Crash

Former F1 champion Damon Hill defends Fernando Alonso after the Spanish driver was handed a 20-second penalty in Australia.

Fernando Alonso - Aston Martin / David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports

1996 Formula One champion Damon Hill has jumped to Fernando Alonso’s defence after the Spanish driver was handed a 20-second time penalty after the Australian Grand Prix. 

Key Takeaways:

• Damon Hill defends Fernando Alonso's 20-second time penalty at the Australian Grand Prix, highlighting the fine line between racing and potentially dangerous manoeuvres.
• Hill argues that unexpected moves and gamesmanship should be part of the sport, emphasising the inherent risks of motor racing.
• Alonso responds to the penalty referencing his extensive F1 experience to justify his racing style, indicating a need for drivers to adapt to regulatory changes and focus on future races.

Fernando Alonso - Aston Martin / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

During the last lap of the race in Melbourne last weekend George Russell crashed, tipping his W15 onto its side after chasing Alonso into Turn 6 and 7. The FIA reviewed the incident and later claimed that Alonso slowed down before accelerating, citing “potentially dangerous driving” as the reason for the penalty. 

Whilst appearing on the F1 Nation podcast, Hill argued that it’s a fine line between letting the drivers race and prohibiting them from pulling off potentially dangerous manoeuvres. Hill commented:

“I do think this is where we get into the difficult area of: what is racing and what are dastardly tricks?

"You have to assume that the FIA want to stop people doing things that are potentially dangerous.

"But, then, it is dangerous! Motor racing is dangerous!”

Hill continued:

“You have to be careful when you’re going for a move on someone, when you are closing on someone. You have to be prepared for them to do things that are gamesmanship. I just think that this has to be a part of the sport.

"Being wary of an individual because they’ve got form? Or they are clever? Or whatever… I just think the idea that you’ve got to stop people doing anything unexpected… that’s not really racing.”

The two-time champion’s penalty saw him move down from sixth to eighth place. Alonso took to social media following the race, writing:

“Double points for the team and a better race pace than the rest of the weekend allowed us to cross the finish line in 6th and 7th place.

"A bit surprised by a penalty at the end of the race regarding how we should approach the corners or how we should drive the race cars.

"At no point do we want to do anything wrong at these speeds. I believe that without gravel on that corner, on any other corner in the world we will never be even investigated."

The Spanish driver touched on his extensive Formula One experience after making his debut in 2001. He added:

“In F1, with over 20 years of experience, with epic duels like Imola 2005/2006/ Brazil 2023, changing racing lines, sacrificing entry speed to have good exits from corners is part of the art of motorsport.

"We never drive at 100% every race lap and every corner, we save fuel, tires, brakes, so being responsible for not making every lap the same is a bit surprising.

"We have to accept it and think about Japan, to have more pace and fight for positions further up the field. Thank you, team!”

Double points for the team and a better race pace than the rest of the weekend allowed us to cross the finish line in 6th and 7th place. A bit surprised by a penalty at the end of the race regarding how we should approach the corners or how we should drive the race cars. At no… pic.twitter.com/WBdr7MPGFr

— Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) March 24, 2024