Fernando Alonso Takes a Jab at FIA: Will Rules Change Only When He Breaks Them?
In a striking and bold commentary, two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso has turned the spotlight on the FIA, the sport’s governing body, questioning their commitment to enforcing fair competition. After a controversial Mexican Grand Prix, Alonso expressed his frustration over the apparent leniency shown to certain drivers, suggesting that the FIA only reacts when he himself is involved.
The tension is palpable as Alonso recounted a moment during the race where competitors, including Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, blatantly cut corners at the first three turns without facing any consequences. In a moment of exasperation, Alonso even hinted on team radio that he could overtake a rival merely by ignoring track limits. This revelation underscores a growing concern over inconsistent officiating that has plagued the sport.
Adding fuel to the fire, Alonso highlighted the disparity in penalties when he pointed out that his long-time rival, Lewis Hamilton, received a 10-second time penalty for leaving the track during a skirmish with Verstappen. “The FIA will only change it if I do,” Alonso quipped during a press conference in Brazil, further amplifying his critique of the governing body’s decision-making process.
Reflecting on previous seasons, Alonso recalled similar issues at the Sochi Grand Prix, where he argued that the FIA only revised corner-cutting rules after he had taken advantage of them. “One year, I simply didn’t brake at the first corner, and I got into third place coming out of that corner. The following year, it wasn’t allowed anymore.” His biting remarks suggest a deep-seated frustration with what he perceives as a reactive rather than proactive approach by race officials.
As the racing world watches, the question remains: will the FIA take action to rectify the glaring inconsistencies witnessed at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez? Following the race, Sky Sports F1 analyst Karun Chandhok highlighted the urgent need for changes to the circuit’s cornering rules, proposing potential solutions to curb the rampant corner-cutting. Fellow commentators, including the famed Martin Brundle, echoed this sentiment, advocating for stricter penalties such as drive-through sanctions to deter drivers from bending the rules.
Hamilton, who was left bewildered by the lack of penalties for others while he faced scrutiny, criticized the FIA for a lack of “clarity” and “transparency” in their enforcement of racing regulations. The issue of fairness and consistency in F1 officiating has never been more pressing, and Alonso’s daring comments have ignited a conversation that demands urgent attention.
As we look ahead to the Brazilian Grand Prix and beyond, the motorsport community is left to ponder: will the FIA finally step up to ensure a level playing field, or will Alonso’s tongue-in-cheek prediction come true—changes will only be made when he breaks the rules? The stakes are high, and the world will be watching closely.








