Fernando Alonso, two penalties that cost Miami dearly

At the finish of the Miami Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso thought he would end his black streak. After two retirements in Saudi Arabia and Imola and a 17th place in Australia, the Spaniard had the opportunity in Florida to score points for the second time this season. Despite his 8th position on the finish line, in the final classification of the race Fernando Alonso is only in 11th place. 

Already penalized for his collision with Pierre Gasly, Fernando Alonso was initially classified 9th behind Esteban Ocon. But the commissioners, after reviewing the Grand Prix, decided to impose a new penalty of 5 seconds on the veteran of the Formula 1. The reason ? They believe that the pilot Alpine, who cut turn 14 after a wheel lockup on the penultimate lap took an advantage. These 5 additional seconds have serious consequences in the standings since Fernando Alonso leaves the top 10 just 1 tenth behind Lance stroll. 

10 seconds penalty in total for Alonso

However, the Spaniard's Grand Prix had started ideally. 11th on the grid, his strong start allowed him to deposit Yuki tsunoda, Lando Norris et Lewis Hamilton. But on the 40th lap, the Spaniard lost his patience and hit Pierre Gasly at the first corner. At a press conference after the race, he admitted his wrongs. “ Yes, it was my mistake, so I deserve the penalty, we should have given the position back to Pierre but he was no longer in the race, he was in the pit lane. So the 5 seconds seems correct to me. I braked too late, I missed the apex. »

Contact between Gasly and Alonso! 💥 #MiamiGP 🇺🇸 ▶️ https://t.co/7plkVVVyS3 pic.twitter.com/FzcQ4PeZAj

— CANAL+ F1® (@CanalplusF1) May 8, 2022

This 11th place, Fernando Alonso also owes it to other errors during the race including a pit-stop of more than 5 seconds. “ We were a bit unlucky with the timing of the safety car, while others really took advantage of it. Without that we would probably have been in the fight for seventh or eighth place. » 

Esteban Ocon is one of the drivers who were able to benefit from a free pit stop. Started in last position after his accident during Free Practice 3, the Frenchman finished his race in 8th position. “ What a race! A big thank you to the team for all the work done during the night to restore what was nothing more than a badly damaged car after the big accident I suffered in free practice on Saturday. They are the real heroes of the weekend », underlines the Norman. With the Miami Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso is still not taking off in the Drivers' Standings in 16th place and he is now 22 points behind Esteban Ocon.  

ALSO READ > Gasly blames Alonso for his abandonment: “He was very, very far away when braking”