Fred Vasseur Points at Fernando Alonso’s Hypocrisy as ‘Deadly’ Move Endangers Charles Leclerc

The relentless environment at the Qatar Grand Prix wasn’t the only thing heating up the track this weekend. While the roaring engines and the smell of burnt rubber are par for the course, it was an unexpected on-track altercation involving Fernando Alonso and Charles Leclerc that had the paddock (Fred Vasseur more so) blazing with a mix of concern and disbelief.

Two of the sport’s seasoned stalwarts found themselves at the heart of a moment that could’ve changed the race’s narrative. As always, perspectives varied — some saw it as a mere racing incident, while others believed there was more than meets the eye.

The drama unfolded when Alonso, the Aston Martin maestro, went off track and, on his return, almost caused a potential catastrophe by darting right into the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc. The nimble-footed Leclerc skilfully maneuvered to avoid a collision and, in a bit of showmanship, overtook Alonso at turn four.

While everyone caught their breath, Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur didn’t hold back. Pointing out Alonso’s potential double standards, Vasseur playfully suggested, “If it were the other way around, I think Fernando would have been more than loud on the radio, that his life was ‘really on the edge’ and so on.”

By the race’s end, both drivers showcased their prowess, finishing sixth and seventh, separated by a mere ten-second gap.

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After the Spaniard found himself off-roading at the Lusail Circuit at Turn 2, zooming back into the race, Alonso’s re-entry was, shall we say, a tad dramatic.

Is Fred Vassuer satisfied with Fernando Alonso’s penalty?

Probably not. Let’s dive into what happened during the race and afterward to Alonso. As he skated in, Leclerc, with the reflexes of a cat on Red Bull, managed to swoosh past Alonso’s now dirt-decorated tires. The race stewards, perhaps not as entertained as some of us, took note. They commented…

“Car 14 [Alonso] went off track in Turn 2, continued on the run-off, and rejoined at high speed right in front of Car 16 [Leclerc].” Although Leclerc didn’t have to swerve off, the stewards felt Alonso’s rejoin was a tad on the ‘unsafe’ side. The result? Alonso was gifted his very first reprimand of the season and nothing more. A gentle reminder from F1 that while adventurous detours can be entertaining, safety first!

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Here’s hoping Alonso keeps it on the tarmac next time, or at least saves his off-road escapades for after the race! Remember, Fernando, three more reprimands and you’re on the naughty step with a 10-place grid penalty. Play safe!