Mike Krack: “Fernando would never put anyone in danger”

Sixth at the checkered flag of the Australian Grand Prix won by his compatriot Carlos Sainz (Ferrari), Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) was then penalized by 20 seconds, ultimately finding himself ranked 8th. On the penultimate lap of the event, the Spanish driver was found guilty of "potentially dangerous" driving by slowing down approaching Turn 6. Situated half a second behind the No. 14 Aston Martin , George Russell (Mercedes) lost control of his car, hit the wall at the exit of the turn and ended his race on the side, in the middle of the track.

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Sixth at the finish, Fernando Alonso was penalized by 20 seconds at AusGP, dropping him to eighth place! Deserved or not? F1 racing penalty alonso russell crash

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Mike Krack, the team principal of the British team, defended the double world champion in a press release published on social networks:

« Firstly, everyone in motorsport is relieved that George is healthy after his accident. I want you to know that we fully support Fernando. He is the most experienced driver in Formula 1. He has competed in more Grand Prix than anyone else and has over 20 years of experience. He is a multiple world champion in several categories.

Receiving a 20-second penalty when there was no contact with the car behind him was a bitter pill to swallow, but we have to accept this decision. We have done our best, but without new evidence we are unable to request a right of review.

Fernando is a phenomenal driver and he used every tool at his disposal to finish ahead of George, just like we saw in Brazil last year with Sergio (Pérez). This is motorsport art at the highest level. He would never put anyone in danger »

A message to our fans from Team Principal, Mike Krack. pic.twitter.com/3IQO4zVWRk

— Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) March 26, 2024

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