Why Fernando Alonso Believes F1 Had a ‘Premature Christmas’ at Belgian GP

With heavy rainfall on the main race at the Spa-Francorchamps, the Belgian Grand Prix got canceled despite two efforts to get the race going.

Unfortunately, after the second restart, the race got canceled after completing just over 4 laps behind the safety car. Hence, with the cars failing to complete over 75% of the race, the top 10 drivers were awarded half points.

Meanwhile, the two-time world champion, Fernando Alonso, who finished P11, was startled by the decision of awarding half points to the top 10 drivers and claims it as “premature Christmas”.

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What did Fernando Alonso say?

As quoted by MotorsportTotal.com, Fernando Alonso criticized the decision of the race management to give half points to the top 10 drivers without competitive racing at Spa.

“For some, it was perhaps a premature Christmas, because gifts were given out today. Because we didn’t drive a race and you still get the position and the points,” said Fernando Alonso.

“We had no chance of scoring points. I’m in 11th place, I didn’t have a cleared lap to collect a point. We didn’t get any. That’s shocking. But it’s their decision. So how can you go for a Handing out non-race counters?” (Quotes translated via Google)

Alonso pen to paper a one-year extension with Alpine

After two years of absence from the pinnacle of motor racing, Fernando Alonso returned this season with Alpine. It was quite evident that the Spaniard was struggling to find his feet in the new car at the start of the season. But soon he found his groove back and become a crucial member after consecutively scoring for the French racing team.

Due to Alonso’s heroics at the Hungarian GP, Alpine (formerly known as Renault) registered their first win since 2013. The two-time world champion held back Lewis Hamilton for several laps, which eventually benefited his teammate, Esteban Ocon, to secure his maiden podium.

And ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, the Alpine F1 team announced a one-year contract extension for Fernando Alonso. After signing his contract, Alonso said: “I’m very happy to confirm the contract extension with Alpine F1 Team into 2022. I felt at home the moment I returned to this team and have been welcomed back with open arms.”

“It is a pleasure to work again with some of the brightest minds in our sport at Enstone and Viry-Chtillon.”

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