Former F1 team principal Eddie Jordan says Fernando Alonso's defense against George Russell in Melbourne was “visually dubious”, but Russell was responsible for avoiding the crash he experienced. He said he felt it.
Mercedes' Russell was chasing down Aston Martin's Alonso in 6th place towards the end of the Australian Grand Prix, but on the way to Turn 6 Russell lost control of his W15, collided with the wall and came to a halt in the middle of the track, ending the race. became. Under virtual safety car conditions. Fortunately, Russell walked away from the wreckage unharmed.
'It's up to the driver behind' to avoid Fernando Alonso's slowdown
Stewards placed the blame firmly on Alonso, deeming his driving “potentially dangerous” and imposing a drive-through penalty worth three points on his FIA Superlicence for 20 seconds. Alonso's telemetry data showed that he lifted up into the corner earlier than on any previous lap, then braked slightly and downshifted at an unusual point.
The incident was discussed by 13-time Grand Prix winner David Coulthard and Jordan on the Formula Four Success podcast, with Coulthard stating that he believes that such a gray car, similar to what Alonso may have experienced at the Nürburgring in 2003, He claimed that he was “getting used to Zorn's antics.” Russell was “caught up” by the sudden speed of his approach to Alonso.
But Jordan insists it's up to Russell to be “aware” of the dangers ahead and keep his car on the road.
“I saw it right away, it looked semi-suspicious,” Jordan said of Alonso.
“But don't forget this, it's a position that Alonso defends. And we saw what he did [Sergio] Perez of Brazil. He overtook Perez to be faster on the straight. He's a very, very smart driver.
“There aren't many players on that grid who can actually play mind games with Fernando Alonso because I think he's better than everyone else.
“So, only he knows what happened. But it seemed to me that the car slowed down. In that case, it depends on whether the driver behind can take note of it.
“The driver behind you is the one who always has to take the lead, because he has to balance everything in his head to give you the safest option. It was a big accident. It's scary. It might have been.
“But George will learn from it. I think he, and most of the grid, will be well aware if talk of a fight with Alonso comes up.”
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Alonso's penalty after this race meant he dropped two places for the final Australian Grand Prix, from 6th to 8th, which led to a strong reaction from Jordan.
Jordan referred to the post-race penalty as a “disgust” to former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, saying race results were final and any penalty imposed after that would apply to the next race. I made it clear that I think it should be done.
“But here I'll add something to it, David,” Jordan continued. [sic] Or whatever it is, then he gets demoted 3 places [sic].
“I remember Bernie, it was one of his least favorite pets. He would say to the timekeepers and stewards, 'After half an hour or an hour of a race, a series of races in different positions. Never tell them the results because it's not fair on TV, it's not fair to everyone, it's confusing.'' All the crap.
“In my opinion, if they felt something was wrong, they should have said, 'There's a two-place grid penalty for the next race.' should not. Why should they do that? That's nonsense.
“For God's sake, F1, can you grab a grip? A race result is a race result. And if there is a penalty, it will happen in the future.”
Russell's shunt caused Hamilton to retire early in the race with engine trouble, and neither Mercedes driver took the checkered flag. This leaves Mercedes in P4 in the constructors' championship, 71 points behind leaders Red Bull.
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