Fernando Alonso slams FIA after penalty prices him podium in Saudi Arabia

Fernando Alonso hit out on the FIA and their gradual response after the Aston Martin driver was punished with a second time penalty, costing him a podium on the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

The Spaniard, who took the lead of the race as he overtook Sergio Perez down into flip one, needed to serve a five-second time penalty for not being within the right grid spot initially.

The 41-year-old, having misplaced first place to eventual race winner Perez, served the penalty at his first pit cease however upon evaluation work began on his automotive milliseconds too early, with the rear jack raised too quickly.

Alonso got here house third although, and took his place on what would have been his 100^th podium in System 1, earlier than studying of one other penalty – this time 10 seconds – which demoted him to fourth and noticed George Russell declare third place.

Alonso, nonetheless, insisted he “doesn’t care an excessive amount of” however was unimpressed with how lengthy it took the stewards to decide.

“It doesn’t harm an excessive amount of,” Alonso stated. “It’s extra the FIA who fall quick at present.

“You can not apply a penalty 35 laps after the pit cease. They’d sufficient time to tell me concerning the penalty – if I knew I may have pushed for 11 seconds, so it’s not good for the followers.

“Nobody instructed me about this 5 seconds, there was no data in any respect, not even investigated. I don’t perceive absolutely the second penalty. I care however I don’t care that a lot – I celebrated however I’ve three factors much less.”

Regardless of shedding out on three factors, two-time world champion Alonso was nonetheless happy with Aston’s automotive, after ending on the rostrum on the first race in Bahrain.

He added: “Arguably right here we have been stronger than Bahrain. I don’t wish to be too optimistic nevertheless it seems good.”

Alonso will subsequent be in motion on the Australian Grand Prix in two week’ time at Albert Park, Melbourne (31 March-2 April).