Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso accept post-race penalties at Malaysian Grand Prix
After an exhilarating Malaysian Grand Prix, it seems that Red Bull Racing Team is once again at the top of table but McLaren was not so far behind and this time, they decreased the gap between themselves and Red Bull.
However, the team had to face a post-race penalty as Lewis and Ferrari’s, Fernando Alonso, were given a 20 second penalty after the race, which both of the drivers have accepted.
Fernando finished the race in 6th place while Lewis finished in 7th place. Because of this penalty, Hamilton was dropped from 7th to 8th place, while Alonso did not lose his position, or, a single point for that
matter as a result of this penalty.
According to F1 regulations, Hamilton breached Article 20.2, which means that if a driver’s “manoeuvres liable to hinder other drivers”, he is given a penalty respectively and since Hamilton changed his line twice, while blocking Alonso on lap 45, his penalty
is justified.
“I knew I was going to get a penalty, I'm not surprised. I was in with the stewards, so I anticipated it. I always try to assume the worst-case scenario. It's only one spot, and it's not really made me feel any worse than how the weekend has gone anyway”,
Hamilton told the media.
He added that it is racing and these things happen when you are trying to give your best.
On the other hand, the Spaniard breached Article 16.1, when he caused an avoidable accident in an attempt to pass the 2008 Formula 1 champion during lap 46. As a result, both the McLaren of Hamilton and Ferrari of Alonso were damaged.
“It doesn't change positions, so there is no a big drama. I finished sixth in the race anyway, and it was a race incident. I tried to overtake, we touched each other and unfortunately I broke the front wing and had to pit again, and I lost the podium possibility.
But in the next race I will try again”, said Fernando.
Nevertheless, both of the drivers are hoping to make a comeback and possibly challenge for the championship title this year.
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