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Gravel Controversy at Australian Grand Prix: Did Pierre Gasly’s Alpine Trigger Fernando Alonso’s Crash?

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
March 18, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 2 mins read
0
Gravel Controversy at Australian Grand Prix: Did Pierre Gasly’s Alpine Trigger Fernando Alonso’s Crash?

Formula One F1 - Australian Grand Prix - Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit, Melbourne, Australia - March 16, 2025 Alpine's Pierre Gasly in action during the race REUTERS/Edgar Su

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In a surprising turn of events at the Australian Grand Prix, two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso experienced a dramatic crash at Turn 6, which he attributes to a “mountain of gravel” on the track. Alonso, a seasoned racer for Aston Martin, revealed in a post-race interview with Spanish TV that he believes Pierre Gasly’s Alpine could have been the catalyst for the accident, shedding light on a popular theory circulating among fans on social media.

The unfortunate incident unfolded on the 34th lap, with Alonso’s AMR25 skidding out of control as he exited Turn 6 and collided forcefully with the barrier. This unexpected twist marked a less-than-auspicious beginning to the season for the veteran racer, especially as his Aston Martin counterpart Lance Stroll clinched a commendable sixth place at Albert Park.

The mystery deepens when considering Alonso was tailing Gasly just before the crash. Footage shared widely across social media platforms seems to illustrate Gasly’s car disturbing the gravel as he maneuvered through Turn 6, moments before Alonso’s fateful spin.

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Fernando Alonso, undeterred by the incident, expressed his confusion over the crash. He claims that his racing line stayed consistent, and it was the unexpected gravel buildup that caused his vehicle to lose control. In his words, “It’s one of those races that you don’t really enjoy behind the wheel. The white lines are like ice, the visibility is very low… I didn’t touch the gravel, I passed where I always do. But I found a mountain of gravel right where I put the tyre and I lost the car.”

Intriguingly, Alonso had made a significant save at the previous year’s Chinese Grand Prix by veering into the gravel strip at the final corner. As he prepares to return to Shanghai, the 43-year-old racer humorously suggested that unlike Melbourne’s Turn 6, the Chinese GP circuit is free of the ‘ghost’ of gravel traps.

Andy Cowell, the team principal of Aston Martin, stood by Alonso’s theory, stating that gravel on the track could have potentially instigated the crash. He emphasized the need to study the AMR25’s response to such conditions, given the car’s reaction to the gravel. However, he also noted that it is challenging to balance the requirement for downforce and drivability, especially under amplified conditions.

Notably, Turn 6 at Albert Park underwent modifications for the 2025 race following George Russell’s severe crash at the 2024 race’s conclusion. Alonso was penalized for his “potentially dangerous driving” during that incident, according to the FIA stewards’ verdict.

When questioned about potential changes for 2026 to prevent gravel from entering the track, Cowell responded cautiously. He acknowledged the circular debate on maintaining the purity of the racetrack while ensuring safety. The team principal refrained from commenting extensively on circuit design, emphasizing instead the need to focus on developing a fast and reliable race car.

The aftermath of this incident underscores the ongoing dialogue about track safety, car design, and the unpredictable nature of racing. As the discussion continues, all eyes are on the upcoming Chinese Grand Prix, where Alonso will once again take to the track.

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