Ex-F1 driver claims Fernando Alonso used ‘gray area’ to gain advantage that caused George Russell’s high-speed crash at Australian GP

Fernando Alonso's risky maneuver caused a massive incident as George Russell crashed out on the final lap of the Australian GP.

Ex-F1 driver claims Fernando Alonso used ‘gray area’ to gain advantage that caused George Russell’s high-speed crash at Australian GP

Fernando Alonso (L), George Russell (R) (images via IMAGO), George Russell's crash at Australian GP (via F1).

The Australian GP witnessed multiple incidents over the course of the race weekend. Max Verstappen‘s RB20 incurred braking issues and he had to retire early from the race. Moreover, Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton sustained an engine failure and could not finish the Grand Prix. However, during the last lap, George Russell crashed out due to his battle with Fernando Alonso for sixth place.

Fernando Alonso had originally finished P6 following George Russell‘s colossal high-speed crash. However, Alonso was found guilty of causing the crash and was demoted to P8 after a 20-second time penalty. Ex-F1 driver Timo Glock commented on the entire ordeal and shared Alonso’s thought process. Glock claimed that the Asturian’s idea was to catch Russell off guard and slow him down to gain an advantage.

Alonso brakes very early and allows Russell to catch up, Alonso’s idea was to catch Russell off guard, slow him down, and then accelerate early to open a gap.
Timo Glock told Sky Deutschland.

However, the move was so extreme that the Briton wasn’t prepared for it and hence caused such an accident. Glock pointed out how Russell got too close and lost downforce. This was how Fernando Alonso used his experience and the ‘gray area’ just to gain an advantage over the 26-year-old. The Former driver mentioned that Alonso was aware of what he was doing during the incident.

FS Video
It was so extreme that Russell didn’t expect it at all. He got way too close and lost downforce. Alonso extends his elbows and uses the grey area to gain an advantage. He already knows what he’s doing with his experience.
Glock stated.

Fernando Alonso expresses discontent with Australian GP penalty

Fernando Alonso took to X to share his thoughts on the Australian GP. The 42-year-old mentioned how he was surprised by the penalty imposed on him due to the way the drivers approach corners. Alonso asserted that he never would’ve wanted to do anything wrong at such high speeds. However, the Asturian was penalized for the maneuver without any further discussion.

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.
Alonso said, via @alo_official/X.
Fernando Alonso
Fernando Alonso (Via: Imago)

Apart from this, Alonso reckoned that without gravel in the corner, the entire situation wouldn’t even be investigated further. The F1 veteran reflected on his 20 years of experience in Formula 1 and how changing lines and sacrificing entry speeds was part of the maneuver. However, the 42-year-old accepted that they would have to accept it and move over to racing in the upcoming Japanese GP.

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 have to accept it and think about Japan, to have more pace and fight for positions further up the field.
Alonso noted.

Hence, Aston Martin is looking promising following their performances in the 2024 season so far. Both the drivers are performing decent against the rival teams. Silverstone is currently on par fifth in the championship standings behind Mercedes. Hence, Aston Martin will be looking to challenge the Brackley-based team in the coming races.

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