At the official drivers' briefing at Suzuka, a number of Fernando Alonso's competitors are orchestrating an uncomfortable situation for the double world champion.
Following a collision and a significant accident in Melbourne, where Alonso was penalized by stewards for what is widely regarded as an unlawful and hazardous manoeuvre, George Russell encountered the Spanish driver in a café last week.
"Did you brake test him there or not?" Max Verstappen humorously inquired of Russell on Thursday.
Yet, some drivers are in Alonso's corner. "What Fernando did was strange and extreme," Lando Norris admitted, "but I don't think it even came close to being considered a brake test."
Carlos Sainz, Alonso's compatriot and friend, on the other hand, criticized the design of Melbourne's Albert Park, particularly highlighting that the safety margins at a turn where speeds reach 250kph "needs to be reviewed."
Contrastingly, Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg expressed stronger disapproval of Alonso's actions. "I believe Fernando crossed the line with his actions," Perez conceded.
Hulkenberg voiced his disapproval in the Suzuka paddock, stating, "I wasn't that impressed by Fernando's manoeuvres. Some of his statements don't add up for me either. But it was the wrong corner for games."
Max Verstappen, a three-time world champion, straightforwardly stated, "We'll discuss it in the drivers' briefing."
Alonso, unfazed, asserted that the penalty "won't change the way we drive or our approach to racing," and he anticipates that the stewards will not levy a similar penalty in the future. "There is no obligation to complete all 57 laps the same way," he firmly stated.
Valtteri Bottas expressed his astonishment at the penalty, suggesting, "To be honest, I was quite surprised by the punishment. If George hadn't ended up in the wall, there probably wouldn't have been anything. It looked pretty dramatic, but I think we should always be able to choose the speed and the line. But it's a fine line," he admitted.
However, Charles Leclerc of Ferrari argued, "My opinion is that it is something we do as drivers. But not to that extent. What Fernando did in Australia went too far and he had to be penalised."
Lastly, Kevin Magnussen commented, "I wasn't in either Alonso's or Russell's car, but to me it didn't look like it was just Alonso's fault. The main thing we want is consistent penalties, but they seem to be a bit harsher this year. Yeah, I was a little surprised."
