“I do a lot of preparation with the Sporting Regulations,” reveals the man behind Fernando Alonso’s Jeddah GP penalty reversal
Aston Martin's Sporting Director provides insight on his preparation that gave back Fernando Alonso's 100th podium finish.
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Fernando Alonso and Aston Martin's sporting director, Andy Stevens
The intricacies of the Formula One rulebook are no joke. Every team needs a specialist to go through the vast pages of the Sporting Regulations book to know it almost by heart. Andy Stevenson, the Sporting Director of the Aston Martin Formula One team, is one such specialist. The recent Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is a testament to his mastery of the rulebook where he successfully challenged a ten-second penalty imposed on Fernando Alonso.
When Fernando Alonso was slapped with a ten-second penalty for not serving his previously awarded five-second penalty, it was time for Stevenson to work his magic. He immediately set to work to challenge the penalty, armed with his vast knowledge of the regulations and precedents. And, as history would show, he managed to do so successfully.
According to Stevenson, the secret behind his success is all about preparation. “Every off-season, I watch replays of races – endlessly,” Stevenson says on the official Aston Martin interview. “It drives my wife crazy, but I do it to remind myself of what’s happened and the precedents that have been set so I can be prepared for the challenging moments we’ll inevitably face in the season ahead. And, obviously, I do a lot of preparation with the Sporting Regulations – you have to know them inside out.”
Aston Martin’s sporting director’s expertise and dedication pays off in the grand prix penalty challenge
It’s clear that Stevenson’s hard work and dedication paid off. He was able to navigate the rulebook and find a way to challenge the penalty. But he knows that not every battle is worth fighting. “You’ve got to pick your fights. You can’t always be in the ear of the FIA. Sometimes decisions won’t go in your favour, but you’ve got to roll with it. When it’s fairly clear-cut or something that you’re going to gain from, that’s when you go in to fight your corner,” he says.
Stevenson’s expertise and knowledge proved to be a game-changer for the Aston Martin team. The reversal of Alonso’s penalty meant that the Spaniard could keep his third-place finish and, more importantly, his hundredth podium. Had the penalty not been rescinded, the team would have lost vital ground to Mercedes in the championship standings.
As Sporting Director of the Aston Martin team, Stevenson’s role is crucial. He represents the team in discussions with the FIA and the Sporting Working Group and manages the garage operations. His vast knowledge of the regulations and precedents is an asset that has proven invaluable time and time again. Stevenson’s dedication and preparation paid off in the recent Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. He was able to challenge a penalty and have it rescinded, allowing his team to retain their rightful position on the podium.
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Rohit Bhaskar
(727 Articles Published)