“F1 Is a Joke”: Max Verstappen’s Abu Dhabi Win in Question Yet Again as Fans React to Fernando Alonso’s Penalty Reversal

The FIA’s relationship with controversy never seems to end. This comes after their recent error involving Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard collided with Lance Stroll, which ended the latter’s race, while Alonso suffered heavy damage. Despite the damage, Alonso drove a mighty race which earned him a P7 finish, only for the FIA to ruin the party.

However, on his way to the finish line, the Spaniard lost his right hand side mirror. This led to the FIA awarding Fernando Alonso a 30-second penalty in Austin, much to Alpine’s frustration. Fernando Alonso crossed the checkered flag in P7. However, after implying the penalty, the Spaniard could only muster a P15 finish.

Although the FIA has now overturned Alonso’s penalty, it was originally Haas who lodged a protest against Alonso for driving an unsafe car following the crash with Stroll. Alpine was quick to issue a counter-protest, stating it would be a ‘huge problem for F1 if it deemed damaged cars to be unsafe as it would force “50, 60, 70%” of cars to retire’.

Furthermore, they also claimed that the Spanish driver was not shown any Black and Orange flags, which means that the car must return to the pit area immediately because of a mechanical problem.

British F1 Journalist Chris Medland, found some similarities between Alpine’s incident and the one in Abu Dhabi last year. He wrote on his Twitter, “For those saying Alpine outcome shows FIA should have overturned Abu Dhabi last year, it actually has similarities.”

He further added, “Stewards tried to retrospectively penalise an error made (missed) during a race, and then has had to backtrack on it. Race Control still needs fixing, clearly #F1“

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Seeing the tweet from the freelance F1 journalist, fans shared their own views on the social media platform.

F1 Twitter divided by Medland’s recent tweet

It’s fair to say the FIA has been under the microscope ever since last year’s Abu Dhabi GP. Moreover, Chris Medland believes that the recent events in Austin are a bit similar to what happened in Abu Dhabi last year. However, F1 fans on Twitter were left divided by his opinion.

Some fans agreed with Medland and his views.

However, others weren’t convinced by his views and shared why they felt otherwise.

Meanwhile, some fans wondered if Medland was a part of Team LH44.

One fan also felt for last year’s race director Michael Masi, who was sacked from his position.

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With Alonso’s penalty rescinded and his P7 finish restored, Alpine’s lead over McLaren extends further. They will be hoping to finish the season strongly and above the Woking-based team. Can Alpine hold its ground and finish P4 in the constructor’s championship?