Fernando Alonso on FIA Rules and Controversy at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez
Two weeks after the Mexican Grand Prix, during the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos, Fernando Alonso addressed the controversy from the opening two corners of the previous race at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.
Several drivers had cut inside the corner, left the track, and rejoined without giving back their positions. This affected both the front runners—Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc—and midfield drivers like Carlos Sainz and Liam Lawson.
Alonso, who took the corner on track with high risk, ended up disadvantaged as he gained no benefit from his effort. After the Mexican GP, he criticized the lack of penalties, and in Brazil, he renewed his criticism of the FIA’s handling of the situation.
“The FIA will only change it if I do it. If I do it in 2026, it’ll already be banned by 2027,” Alonso said.
He recalled a similar incident years ago in Sochi, where he deliberately cut a corner after noticing other drivers doing the same without consequences—actions that had negatively affected him.
“I tried to get them to change it many times in Sochi (back when we raced in Russia). I asked why drivers could cut that corner in Sochi but not in Baku or Monaco.”
Impact on the Race and Drivers
- Verstappen and Leclerc were involved at the front.
- Carlos Sainz and Liam Lawson were caught up in the midfield incidents.
- Alonso's on-track effort carried a high risk but no reward.
Alonso’s View on FIA Rule Enforcement
Alonso suggests that the FIA changes rules only after he personally challenges them on track, implying a reactive rather than proactive approach to rule enforcement.
Historical Context
The Sochi incident years ago set a precedent where Alonso's actions highlighted inconsistent rule application across circuits.
Author’s summary: Fernando Alonso criticizes the FIA’s inconsistent rule enforcement, highlighting how rule changes seem reactive and only occur after he challenges them directly on track.