Alonso faced consequences post-race, receiving a drive-through penalty, which translated into a 20-second time addition, due to his actions impeding Russell’s pursuit for sixth place.
FIA stewards concluded that Alonso’s maneuver, slowing down earlier than usual, posed a “potentially” hazardous situation, leading to Russell’s loss of control and subsequent crash, eliminating him from the race.
While the penalty surprised many, Nico Hulkenberg opined that Alonso’s tactics were questionable.
Speaking to Motorsport.com before the Japanese Grand Prix, Hulkenberg expressed his discontent with Alonso’s actions. “Personally, I wasn’t impressed with Fernando’s tactics. Melbourne, being akin to a street circuit, features narrow passages. Approaching the corner at speeds of 260-270km/h with a blind exit, any misjudgment could have had severe consequences,” he remarked.
He continued, highlighting the unsuitability of Turn 6 for such defensive moves. “In such a high-speed, blind exit scenario, employing such tactics seems perilous. The abrupt deceleration, witnessed in this incident, can easily lead to loss of control,” Hulkenberg added.
Acknowledging the necessity for defensive driving in Formula 1, Hulkenberg stressed the need for reconsideration of such maneuvers, especially at critical corners like Turn 6. “The corner’s configuration and the potential hazards it presents demand attention. The recent incidents, including Albon’s crash last year, underscore the urgency for revisions,” he emphasized.
Anticipating discussions on the Alonso incident during the drivers’ briefing in Japan, Hulkenberg questioned the consistency of Alonso’s statements. “Alonso’s shift from citing throttle issues to regarding it as standard procedure raises questions. It seems his narrative evolved post-race,” he pointed out.
In response, Alonso defended his actions, expressing disappointment at the penalty. “I aimed to maximize my exit speed to defend my position, as any racer would. I didn’t perceive it as dangerous. While the penalty is disheartening, Russell’s safety remains paramount,” Alonso stated.
He concluded by expressing relief at Russell’s safety despite the incident. “Seeing his car stranded on the track was unsettling, but I’m grateful he emerged unscathed,” Alonso added.