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A two-time F1 world champion accused the sport's officials of favoring drivers of certain nationalities

Oct 8, 2021, 17:13 IST
Insider
Fernando Alonso. Bryn Lennon - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images
  • Fernando Alonso has accused the Formula One's governing body of favoring drivers from certain nationalities.
  • The Spaniard made the comments after Lando Norris was spared a penalty at the Russian Grand Prix.
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A two-time F1 world champion has accused the sport's officials of favoring drivers of certain nationalities, saying there are "different rules for different people."

Alpine's Fernando Alonso made the comments while criticizing the stewards' decision not to award McLaren driver Lando Norris a penalty during the Russian Grand Prix.

Norris had been leading the race and looked on his way to his first win in the sport, however after it started to rain, he skidded off course and was overtaken by eventual winner Lewis Hamilton.

As he later went to pit for rain-specific tires, he lost control again and exited the entry to the pit lane before returning.

Such an offense usually carries a penalty, but the Brit was spared by the FIA.

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Norris was two laps from victory when he slipped off the track. Formula One/Youtube and Sergei Fadeichev\TASS via Getty Images

"When I do things, they have a different behaviour and a different repercussion on the following event," Alonso told reporters on Thursday when asked about the incident.

"I've been the idiot on track for most of the championship while I've been overtaken from the outside of the asphalt by many people for the first couple of races.

"Even in Austria, I remember Austria 1 [Styrian Grand Prix] and Austria 2 [Austrian Grand Prix] and nothing happened. There were no questions at the following race.

Alonso returned to the sport after a three-year break to partner Esteban Ocon at Alpine. Joe Portlock/Getty Images

"Now after Sochi, there is a question. It's a confirmation.

"There are different rules for different people, or different, let's say, talks the week after for different people."

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The Spaniard added: "Let's see, the next one that crosses the white line on the pit entry, let's see which nationality he is and which penalty he will get."

The FIA did not immediately reply to Insider's request for comment.

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