Damon Hill defends Fernando Alonso from criticism over the George Russell incident at the Australian GP

Damon Hill believes Fernando Alonso's tactics at the Australian GP wasn't wrong.

Fernando Alonso, Damon Hill (In Circle) and George Russell (Via IMAGO)

Fernando Alonso and George Russell were involved in a fierce last lap battle for P6 at the Australian GP last week. An early breaking from the Aston Martin driver, which the Stewarts deem as dangerous, caused Russell’s scary crash. It has sparked up a lot of questions about the veteran’s edgy racing style. Some F1 personals labeled it a brake checking, while others claimed it’s on the limit and fair.

Following an Investigaton Fernando Alonso‘s 20-second penalty after the race and it cost the two-time champion two grid places. Ex-Formula 1 World Champion Damon Hill has shared his thoughts on the incident and he defended the Spaniard from critics. He pointed out that Alonso’s early breaking maneuver was just part of the sport and asserted that such moves are part of the risk that comes with Motorsports.

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! 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.

Damon Hill said while speaking on the F1 Nation podcast.

Hill also spoke about how Alonso’s move was something that was very smart, and clever by him. He concluded by saying that doing the unexpected is part of racing and George Russell‘s shunt into the wall was not fully the two-time World Champion’s fault.

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Martin Brundle reveals what Fernando Alonso said to the stewards during investigation

Following the Australian Grand Prix, once it was officially announced that Fernando Alonso was given a 20-second penalty, pundit Martin Brundle shared his thoughts on the incident. The Sky Sports F1 journalist spoke about what Fernando Alonso said to the stewards following the unusual incident.

Alonso popped his saintly halo on and went to see the Race Stewards, explaining how he intended to approach turn six differently for a better exit speed which included decelerating 100 meters earlier, brushing the brake, and even a downshift.

Martin Brundle said via Sky Sports F1.

Brundle later added how Alonso’s technique was something very similar to what he did to David Coulthard during the race at Nurburgring back in 2003. Alonso’s 20-second penalty seems to be something that is still massively debated by fans and pundits alike.