Fernando Alonso failed to score points for the second consecutive sprint race at the Miami Grand Prix. In truth, any hope of doing so was dashed at the first corner.
Alonso, who started eighth, tangled with teammate Lance Stroll and Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton. Having sustained damage in the incident, he was forced to make a pit stop.
Given the sprint only lasted 19 laps, Alonso had little hope of scoring points from that position. In the end, he finished 18th on the road, though he was promoted to 17th following penalties for Kevin Magnussen.
It was a miserable afternoon all round for Aston Martin as Stroll also had to retire. The good news for the Silverstone outfit is that there are plenty more points up for grabs on Sunday.
Last time out in China, Alonso’s sprint race fell apart in the closing stages after a collision with Carlos Sainz. The two-time world champion suffered a puncture that led to a DNF.
And to make matters worse, he received three penalty points for the incident. Aston tried to protest that verdict, but the FIA dismissed it.
Martin Brundle challenges Fernando Alonso over Lewis Hamilton criticism
Hamilton, who had started four places behind Alonso in 12th, got a good initial launch and then spied an opportunity into turn one. The Briton braked late on the inside of the track, but couldn’t avoid Alonso when he arrived at the apex.
Alonso was unhappy with the driving of his long-time rival. Speaking over the team radio, he said Hamilton ‘arrived like a bull’.
However, Martin Brundle didn’t necessarily subscribe to that version of events. He feels Alonso should have been more focused on the conduct of teammate Stroll.
Speaking live on Sky Sports F1, he said: “I think you’ll find that was your teammate who arrived most like a bull first.”
Fernando Alonso enduring frustrating weekend at Miami Grand Prix
Alonso will be thankful for the chance to wipe the slate clean heading into qualifying. It’s not been his weekend so far.
In sprint qualifying, he was one of a number of drivers who couldn’t improve their lap times on the soft tyres at the end. And in an exceedingly rare occurrence, he was out-qualified by Stroll.
Former teammate Jenson Button noticed a familiar change in Alonso’s demeanour after the defeat. And the events of Saturday afternoon won’t have improved his mood.
Further up the road, Mercedes did at least fail to score any points. Hamilton battled his way to eighth but received a penalty that sent him to the back after speeding in the pit lane.
Meanwhile, George Russell could only manage 14th in what is shaping up to be a miserable weekend for the Silver Arrows. The two teams are currently scrapping for fourth in the constructors’ championship.
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