Alonso hopeful of regaining points: 'New FIA changes a lot'
General
- GPblog.com
Fernando Alonso crossed the finish line seventh at the United States Grand Prix, but ultimately returned home without any points. The Alpine driver was given another 30-second time penalty afterwards by the stewards for driving an unsafe car. The two-time world champion assumes the penalty will be reversed.
Indeed, Haas F1 appealed the result after the race at the Circuit of the Americas and they were heard by the stewards. However, Alpine then appealed again, alleging that the American racing stable was late in filing the protest. Alonso and Alpine report to the stewards today (Thursday, ed.) and a verdict will follow.
Alonso revealed via social media last week that 'this decision will determine whether we are going in the right direction for the future '. Speaking to DAZN, he spoke words to the same effect. "I'm fine physically," he stated. "If this goes ahead, a new scenario opens up. I'm confident they'll make the right decision."
"We protest basically because it was out of time and the FIA did not show the black and orange flag, so they believed the car was safe. The car passed scrutineering. Then the protest was late. This will open a lot of issues. If you have damage you have to retire the car."
Alonso has confidence
"Japan was chaotic but they took responsibility. They admitted mistakes for the first time. We all have to work together for the good of the sport," he referred to the fact that the governing body agreed that some procedures did not go well. "I was very sad in Austin. I hope a good decision for us and that we can maintain Austin's position. The new FIA is changing a lot of things. I believe a lot in the new president and that we are on the right track."