Alpine boss Laurent Rossi has criticized a “disappointing” punishment meted out to two-time world champion Fernando Alonso during the Miami Grand Prix, saying it was “difficult to accept”.
Alonso was eighth across the line in the opening Miami race, but two five-second penalties took him to 11th and out of the World Championship points.
The first was due to a collision with Alfatouri driver Pierre Gasley and the second was due to leave the track to gain an advantage.
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This was the second penalty that offended Alpine, after cutting a chicken in Alonso Race’s 53rd lap, allowing chase Mick Schumacher to come out of the DRS range. Alonso would have been in ninth place had it not been for that penalty.
Rossi posted a statement on social media claiming that Alonso had returned to the same lap and claimed that the party had not been given an opportunity to explain it to officials.
“A disappointing post-race penalty for Fernando for leaving the track meant that our six-point four-point checkered flag turned into a four-point and it ended the double point we deserved,” Rossi said.
“It is difficult to accept, of course, because Fernando Cole went back in time and we were not able to present evidence to clarify the specific situation before the sentence was handed down.
“With the opportunity to explain, we are very confident that Fernando could hold his ninth place. We will be back in Spain next weekend where we are determined to be more glamorous and more fair, race weekend and showcase. The real potential of our package.”
Miami was the fourth race in a row where Alonso failed to score a point, a particularly disappointing run due to apparent competition from the car.
The Spaniard has just two World Championship points compared to his teammate Esteban Oaken’s 24.
“The Miami Grand Prix weekend didn’t disappoint and it was great to experience a new event with such a lively atmosphere,” Rossi said.
“It was equally enjoyable to race to meet the expectations, and from a team standpoint, it was satisfying for both of our cars to cross the finish line in the top ten after achieving uncompromising qualifications for a variety of reasons.
“These situations ultimately shaped our weekend: Esteban unfortunately did not qualify, although due to adequate security, the car would probably have been fine when Fernando quickly caught traffic in his lap.”
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