Fernando Alonso’s Hungarian GP qualifying session became a hot topic due to a peculiar occurrence involving a red flag and an APXGP car.
- Alonso found himself stuck behind an unused APXGP car after a red flag due to Yuki Tsunoda’s crash.
- His frustration stemmed from missing out on a crucial lap with fresh tires.
- The incident raised questions about FIA’s decision-making during red flags.
- Alonso’s post-race remarks indicated no hard feelings despite the chaotic circumstances.
During the Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying, Fernando Alonso encountered an unusual situation. As he drove into the pit lane, a red flag was raised after Yuki Tsunoda experienced a massive crash, launching his car into a barrier at a significant impact of 68G. This led to the FIA opting for a ‘safety first’ approach, halting all cars on track.
Alonso, along with his teammate Lance Stroll, was held up behind an APXGP car, which was on-site for an upcoming movie shoot. Despite initial assumptions, Alonso’s irritation wasn’t about parking behind this ‘fake parc fermé’ but rather missing the opportunity to complete his flying lap on fresh tires due to the session’s interruption.
Footage circulating on social media highlighted Alonso’s animated discussion with an FIA official post-incident. Just as he was near completing his last round, the red flag thwarted his efforts. An understanding existed that drivers past an incident could finish their lap, but given the impact’s severity, the FIA decided against it.
Once the session resumed, Alonso couldn’t capitalize due to lack of fresh tires. He qualified seventh while Lance Stroll managed to finish tenth. The inability to improve lap times in those final minutes only added to Alonso’s disappointment.
In the race that followed, Alonso ended up placing 11th as Stroll overtook him in the final moments to challenge Tsunoda. Despite team orders suggesting otherwise, Alonso was unfazed, commenting on the low stakes of the positions involved.
Reflecting on the events, Alonso remarked on the overall minimal impact on their standings, emphasizing teamwork over personal gain: “I didn’t care too much. It was one point for the team. You know, it doesn’t matter which car takes that point and I think he was trying until the last corner.”
Alonso’s encounter at the Hungarian GP highlighted the complexities and sometimes frustrating nature of racing regulations.
