The excited Tifosi and frustrated Lewis Hamilton were taken by surprise due to the post race drama at the Austrian GP. The race took an unexpected turn as Fernando Alonso & Co. lodged a protest against the provisional race classification. Aston Martin expressed dissatisfaction with the application of track limits penalties, leading to an extensive review by the FIA. The stewards discovered over 1,200 incidents in 71 laps where drivers may have exceeded track limits during the race, prompting a review of the race results.

After reviewing the deleted lap times provided by race control, the stewards identified infringements that warranted penalties. In total, 12 penalties, i.e. more than 50% of the grid, were awarded, involving warnings, five-second penalties, and ten-second penalties. Carlos Sainz of Ferrari faced a ten-second penalty, which dropped him from fourth to sixth in the final classification. Other drivers, including Lewis Hamilton and Esteban Ocon, also received revised penalties affecting their standings. But was Aston Martin’s decision to challenge the race classification driven by their commitment to fairness?

Mike Krack, the crew chief of Aston Martin, When asked about the claim filed to the FIA ​​and the potential consequences of upsetting people, Mike Krack confidently states in an interview with Skysports, “We are not afraid to upset people if it is for the because of the sport and also for an advantage. We knew that this is going to create quite a bit of turmoil, but at the end of the day, we have to do what is right for the team.” Aston Martin’s decision to challenge the race classification was driven by their commitment to fairness and ensuring a level playing field considering the penalties they received last year.

Read more: “Guess Who’s Back in Town”: Amid Ongoing Conflict With Toto Wolff, Lewis Hamilton Finds Comfort in His True “Closest Friend” Before His Home GP

As Aston Martin defends its polarizing decision, the Formula 1 community remains divided on the interpretation and application of track limits regulations by setting a precedent for their dedication to do what is right for the team. Austria was only the third race from the nine held in 2023 that Aston Martin or Fernando Alonso have failed to finish on the podium.

Fernando Alonso & Co.’s Struggles in Austria – Outdated Strategies or Circuit Compatibility?

Aston Martin’s performance in the Austrian Grand Prix left both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll outside the podium positions, prompting questions about the team’s approach and the factors contributing to their lack of competitiveness. Alonso, who finished in sixth place before post-race penalties moved him up to fifth, acknowledged that their strategy didn’t yield the desired outcome.

One possible explanation is the mistimed decision to bring both drivers in for their first pitstops aiming to take advantage of an early VSC coincided with the race resuming while they were still in the pitlane. Fernando Alonso, reflected on the outcome and pointed out that clearer communication for pit stops might have been beneficial. However, he acknowledged that this alone wouldn’t have changed the race’s overall result. Lance Stroll, too, expressed disappointment, highlighting the need for damage limitation after the incident under the Virtual Safety Car.

Watch this story: “We Crush Them”: Fernando Alonso’s Warns Lewis Hamilton & Mercedes Signaling Aston Martin Comeback

What are your thoughts about the penalties, lost positions and track limits in F1? Is it fair and required?