Alonso to challenge FIA over nationality bias in F1

Fernando Alonso has announced his intention to speak directly with the president of Formula 1’s governing body regarding his concerns that he is being unfairly targeted because of his Spanish heritage.

In Miami, FIA stewards dismissed an appeal by Aston Martin against severe penalties given to Alonso for an incident during the recent sprint race in China.

The two-time world champion subsequently expressed his frustration, viewing the sprint races as “useless” due to frequent penalties imposed when he attempts to actively compete wheel-to-wheel.

Later, during the Miami sprint, F1 commentator Martin Brundle noted that Briton Lewis Hamilton had aggressively attacked both Aston Martins including Alonso, likening the green cars to “skittles” on the first lap.

“I guess they won’t do anything because he (Hamilton) is not Spanish,” Alonso remarked post-race.

“I think he ruined the races of a few people, especially (Lando) Norris, who had a very fast car. Today there was no penalty, but with me there is always a penalty,” he told DAZN.

“I was behind (Esteban) Ocon and I could perhaps have taken a risk to overtake him, but logically I did not to avoid getting penalised again.”

“I had no interest in the sprint race – we were just checking the degradation and things for the grand prix,” Alonso disclosed. “For me it was a free practice, it was not really a race.”

Regarding his grievances about the FIA’s treatment, the Spanish racer added, “I have a feeling that nationality influences their decisions.”

“I’ll talk to Mohammed (Ben Sulayem), the FIA and so on. I need to make sure there is no problem with my nationality. This is not just about me, but also about the future generation of Spanish drivers who need to be protected.”