F1 star hit with costly penalty after terrifying crash
UPDATED: Fernando Alonso has been hit with a big punishment after he was under investigation from the Australian Grand Prix stewards following a scary crash that ended George Russell’s race.
The annual Formula 1 race – won by Carlos Sainz – finished under the virtual safety car, ensuring there was no racing for most of the final lap, after Mercedes driver Russell crashed on turn seven.
Alonso has been demoted to eighth position for his indiscretion after he was given a 20-second penalty. He has also been handed three penalty points.
“Obviously I was focusing in front of me and not behind,” Alonso said.
“I had some issues for the last 15 laps or something on the battery, on the deployment, so definitely I was struggling a little bit at the end of the race but I cannot focus on the car behind.
“But he’s OK, apparently. I saw the car and I was very worried.”
Russell was unharmed by the incident but his car was a mess.
“We’re off to the stewards, so that’s a bit bizarre in a circumstance like this,” Russell said.
