Alonso talks with Sulayem after nationality questions over penalties

Fernando Alonso met with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem to discuss if stewards are targeting nationality of the F1 drivers when handing out penalties.

Aston Martin and Alonso have been on the receiving end of penalties off late. The team even protested against the F1 Chinese GP sprint penalty to the Spaniard, but the FIA dismissed it as the new evidence presented didn’t change the outcome.

Two weeks later, while Alonso didn’t do anything to get a penalty but the Spaniard reckoned the FIA stewards seemingly ‘check’ the nationality before shelling out penalties after a Lap 1 incident in F1 Miami GP sprint wrecked his evening.

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton took the inside line at Turn 1 at the start of the sprint race but a little moment meant he touched Alonso. He in turn touched his teammate Lance Stroll, who touched McLaren’s Lando Norris into a spin to retire straight up.

The Canadian was forced to retire, while Alonso ran last but Hamilton was in the fight for points. The FIA deemed it as a racing incident which came as a surprise to the Spaniard and he was not really happy with the stewards’ decision when speaking to the media.

He intended to speak with the FIA President Sulayem, whom he met as well outside the Aston Martin hospitality in the presence of Mike Krack. “I had to open the gap, because Hamilton was coming from the inside without control of the car,” said Alonso. “If I do that, for sure I get a penalty.

“I guess they’re not going to give anything because he’s not Spanish. But I think he ruined the races of a few people, Norris especially, which had a very fast car and he was taken out in that incident. I do feel that nationality matters. And I will speak with Mohammed, with the FIA, whatever.

“I need to make sure that there isn’t anything wrong with my nationality or anything that can influence any decision. Not only for me, also for the future generation of Spanish drivers. They need to be protected,” summed up Alonso.

Here’s what stewards said: https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/decision-document/2024%20Miami%20Grand%20Prix%20-%20Decision%20-%20Car%2014%20-%20Turn%201%20incident%20with%20cars%2018%204%20and%2044.pdf

Here’s the incident: https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.2024-miami-gp-sprint-norris-out-on-lap-1-after-four-car-squeeze-at-first-corner.1798142791223545711.html

Here’s how F1 Miami GP qualifying panned out

Here’s what happened in F1 Miami GP sprint weekend

Here’s news on FIA explaining dismissal of Right of Review

Here’s F1 drivers on Fernando Alonso’s longevity

Here’s Aston Martin on being clueless about penalty points situation