Two Grands Prix, two episodes and two missed penalties: the Formula 1 drivers ask for explanations after what happened in the last qualifying in Istanbul and in the previous race in Sochi, tracks where Race Direction did not take action against Fernando Alonso and Fernando Alonso, respectively. Lando Norris.
The latter, on the occasion of Russian Grand Prix, in fact, he entered the pit lane at the last moment, crossing the line that delimits the track from the way to the pits. This maneuver was not judged to be irregular by the stewards, who specified how much the entrance to the pit lane was the result of a difficulty in keeping the car under control in complex conditions – the English driver found himself with slick tires in wet track conditions – and not a voluntary move. In any case, Norris still received a reprimand.
Not exempt from criticism was also the circumstance that occurred in the last qualifying of the Turkish Grand Prix, which placed the Spaniard from Alpine under the magnifying glass. Fernando Alonso. The bi-world champion, right in the opening stages of Q1, would not have respected the regime of double yellow flag, not aborting the fast lap. Also recalled here by the stewards, the Asturian managed to demonstrate that he had raised his foot at that juncture, thus not suffering the penalty that involved retreating from the starting grid.
Two episodes that aroused a climate of discontent and controversy in the paddock, with several riders demanding more clarification on the application of penalties following maneuvers clearly contrary to the regulations. Among these, one of the most lively in expressing their opposition was Pierre Gasly, AlphaTauri color-bearer in turn victim of a 5-second penalty in Turkey for a contact with Alonso that raised doubts among fans: “In the last two races I didn’t really understand the rules – commented – to me it is either white or black, and these two situations were clear. I think we should discuss what we are allowed to do, given that in one accident the line was crossed, which is not safe, while in another, the double yellow flag was not respected, which should lead to equally cautious behavior. I’m sure we’ll talk to Michael Masi, but all of us in the team were quite surprised ”.
Limited to what happened in Istanbul, another driver who expressed his perplexity about the lack of intervention by the Race Direction was Lance Stroll. The Canadian of Aston Martin, who was right in front of Alonso during the exposure of the double yellow flag, in fact finished that lap in 1: 44.856, against the 1: 29.589 of the Spaniard, who then improved his time. just over three seconds two laps later: “The rules must be consistent – specified the Canadian – especially with the double yellow flag. You can’t push, and you can’t take a quick spin. At that juncture you have to abort the ride necessarily. With a single yellow flag you can pick up the pace and, if conditions allow you, you can even try to take a quick lap. But with the double flag, you have to leave the loop, and that didn’t happen. The stewards must be consistent, so that the rules are clear for everyone ”.