Fernando Alonso believes that the reaction to his first lap move into the Sochi run-off area shows that there are “different rules for different people” in Formula 1.
During his reconnaissance runs to the grid ahead of the Russian Grand Prix two weeks ago, two-time F1 world champion Alonso was seen taking the escape route at Turn 2, before repeating the maneuver on the opening lap of the race.
The FIA took no action against Alonso because he did not gain any advantage, but the Spaniard’s move attracted attention because it meant he did not lose any positions in the braking zone.
When asked about his move ahead of the Turkish Grand Prix this weekend, Alonso said he straight-lined Turn 2 to “see the questions here in Istanbul,” arguing the reaction showed his actions were being scrutinised more carefully.
“[it was] just to confirm when I do things, they have a different behaviour, and a different repercussion on the following event,” Alonso said.
“So now, maybe they change the run-off area in lap 1 in the first couple of corners.
“I’ve been the idiot on track for most of the championship while I’ve been overtaken from the outside of the asphalt by many people for the first couple of races.
“Even in Austria, I remember Austria 1 and Austria 2, and nothing happened. There were no questions on the following race.
“Now after Sochi, there is a question. It’s a confirmation.”
In Austria, Alonso was irritated by Daniel Ricciardo’s pass on him outside of the regular track limits on the opening lap, which made him feel “a little bit stupid.”
The Alpine driver believes the response to what he did in Sochi was “a confirmation of many things”, adding: “There are different rules for different people, or different, let’s say, talks the week after for different people.”
After that, Alonso mentioned McLaren driver Lando Norris’ crossing of the white line at pit entry in the final stages of the Russia race, which resulted in him avoiding a penalty and receiving only a reprimand after a stewards’ investigation.
“Let’s see, the next one that crosses the white line on the pit entry, let’s see which nationality he is and which penalty he will get,” Alonso said.
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