Fernando Alonso has been enjoying life at his new team in Formula 1. After making a series of terrible career moves, he seemed to make another one as he joined Aston Martin. However, the Silverstone-based team shot up in the rankings in early 2023. They were the second-best team on race pace, and Fernando was making the best of it, even in the Saudi Arabian GP involving controversy with George Russell.
A Strong Start to the Season
Fernando Alonso showed everyone that his speed was still there. In the first 6 races, he scored 5 podiums. With Sergio Perez showing inconsistency, he was even challenging him for second place in the Formula 1 driver’s standings.
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His teammate, Lance Stroll, was no match for his pace. With Alpine in disarray, going to Aston Martin seemed like the correct move after all. Surprisingly enough, he was in contention for the pole position and race win in Monaco.
The Controversy in Jeddah
Fernando Alonso started the race on the front row after Max Verstappen had an issue in qualifying. He was then given a time penalty in the Saudi Arabian GP for an incorrect starting position. Aston Martin made him serve that time penalty during a safety car period.
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Despite the penalty, Fernando finished third behind just the two Red Bulls. To sweeten things up, this was his 100th podium in Formula 1. However, video footage seemed to suggest that the team had touched his car before the 5 seconds were up.
Therefore, the FIA gave him a post-race time penalty of 5 seconds, promoting George Russell to the podium. However, Aston Martin was able to prove that despite the touch, the team hadn’t started working on his car. This made the FIA reverse their decision, giving Alonso his podium back.
Due to these shenanigans, a lot of fans called this a farcical result. Fernando Alonso, ever the instigator, has now showcased this trophy in his museum at Asturias in Spain. The trophy is on display till August 2023. Interestingly, the ticket price is $16.5 per person.
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