Alonso Criticizes Stewards' Inconsistent Track Limits Enforcement in Mexico GP Start

Fernando Alonso has openly questioned the FIA's inconsistent enforcement of track limits following the chaotic opening corners of the Mexico City Grand Prix, where several drivers reportedly gained positions by going off track without penalty. This frustration highlights a recurring concern among drivers regarding the fairness and consistency of stewarding decisions in Formula 1.

Why it matters:

Inconsistent application of rules, particularly regarding track limits, can undermine the integrity of racing and create an uneven playing field. Drivers like Alonso and Hamilton are raising valid points about how these decisions can impact race outcomes and fairness, pushing for clearer and more consistent guidelines from the FIA. This issue has been a point of contention across multiple races this season, leading to ongoing debates.

The details:

• Alonso noted that despite making a strong start and gaining two positions, he lost four places because rivals went off track at Turns 2 and 3 "flat out" and reappeared ahead of him.
• He explicitly stated, "I thought that maybe some action was coming, but like in Austin going off track in Turn 1, it seems not a problem," drawing a direct parallel to unpenalized incidents in a previous race.
• Lewis Hamilton echoed similar sentiments, also alluding to an unnamed driver who benefited from going off-track to maintain position, suggesting a broader concern within the paddock.
• Alonso's race ultimately ended prematurely due to brake overheating issues, marking his second consecutive DNF and underscoring Aston Martin's recent struggles with both pace and reliability.
• The Mexico Grand Prix saw numerous on-track incidents, leading to multiple investigations by the stewards, including a particularly dangerous moment where Liam Lawson nearly collided with two individuals crossing the track after his pit stop.

The big picture:

This isn't an isolated incident; questions about track limits and consistent stewarding have plagued F1 throughout the season. The FIA's challenge lies in applying rules uniformly across different circuits and incident types, often under immense pressure. Drivers and teams seek clarity and predictability, which is essential for fair competition. The ongoing dialogue between drivers and the FIA about these issues is crucial for refining regulations and ensuring a level playing field.

What's next:

Expect continued discussions and potentially renewed calls for stricter and more consistent track limit enforcement from drivers and teams. The FIA will likely review these incidents as part of their ongoing efforts to improve stewarding. While the Mexico GP itself is concluded, the implications of these decisions on future races and the overall perception of fairness in F1 will persist. For Aston Martin, the focus shifts to resolving their reliability and pace issues as they aim to regain their competitive edge in the remaining races.