F1 Saudi Arabian GP : Fernando Alonso’s 100th podium is reinstated following a blunder by the FIA
Fernando Alonso will be reinstated as P3 following an appeal by Aston Martin.
Fernando Alonso
The 2023 Saudi Arabian GP had been a rollercoaster of emotions for the fans and especially for Aston Martin pilot Fernando Alonso. Having started on the front row, all eyes were on the Spaniard as he was waiting to conquer the streets of Jeddah. After getting a good start and almost keeping the lead, it seemed like a podium finish was imminent for the Aston Martin driver.
However, it was later understood that Fernando Alonso was hit with a 5 second time penalty. He served it and then continued with the race where he eventually finished p3 and grabbed the last place on the podium. It was a proud moment for the team and the driver as they got theirs second consecutive podium for 2023. However, there was more to it than meets the eye.
While Fernando Alonso finished third, Max Verstappen finished second while his teammate Sergio Perez won the race from pole position. The podium was filled with energy as Fernando poured his bottle of rosewater on Max and Checo. All seemed to be going well until a post race announcement surprised everyone in the paddock. Alonso had been hit with a 10 second time penalty.
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Fernando Alonso’s penalty was announced extremely late by the FIA
The Spaniard received a 10 second time penalty for incorrectly serving his previous penalty. This lead to him being stripped of his podium with the trophy going to George Russell who was promoted to P3. However, Aston Martin and Fernando weren’t gonna give up easily. They appealed the decision and argued how the rear jack touching the car was never prohibited.
This later turned out to help them in their appeal which turned in their favour. As of now, Fernando Alonso’s podium at the 2023 Saudi Arabian GP has been reinstated. This means that the Spaniard will have achieved a total of 100 podiums in the pinnacle of motorsport which is a mean feat. It was a rollercoaster of a night for the 2 time world champion but all went well in the end for him.
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Varad Joshi
(940 Articles Published)