The 38-year-old former pilot Giedo van der Gardewhich failed in the Formula 1 with zero points in the 19 races he competed, he has seriously disrespected Fernando Alonso after the accident George Russell in it Australian Grand Prix. The Dutchman called him an “imbecile” and also said that he understood “the 20-second penalty” imposed on him by the FIA unfairly for a “potentially dangerous” maneuver prior to the incident.
“I understand the sanction and it really went too far,” Van der Garde said in his own podcast, called DRS. «It was a dirty trick on Alonso's part. You can see how slower it was going than in the previous corner. “Braking in the middle of the straight is really something prohibited,” he insisted, also inventing that Alonso braked in the previous curve, when the telemetry had denied it and the stewards had not specified it in his report.
«I have a lot of respect for Alonso, but he really was an idiot. Russell was also, but a little less so,” said Van der Garde, who drove in Caterham and retired prematurely due to poor performance. In addition, the Dutchman also responded to questions that are on everyone's lips, such as the future of Spanish.
«We didn't see it so bad last year. However, then they were consistent in points throughout. “This year is just bad, something has to start happening internally,” Van der Garde explained, pointing to Mercedes as a destination that cannot be synonymous with success for Alonso.
The FIA and Alonso
The former Sauber driver did not mince his words and was delirious when talking about a two-time world champion like Alonso. However, the Asturian is demonstrating on the asphalt that at 42 years old he is fully capable of earning a good car. His contract with Aston Martin ends at the end of 2024 and, although the team is crazy about renewing him, his continuity is not at all clear.
Nor in F1, and even less so after an injustice orchestrated by the FIA. For his part, the pilot has given himself until summer to take a path in his future. Luckily, his retirement does not seem to be close, especially seeing his current level, but who knows if in a few races the color that this circus is taking could end up exhausting his patience. And this is not the first time that this organization has taken it upon itself with Alonso, but what happened last Sunday has exceeded all limits.
The British, last Tuesday, finally spoke out about what happened and why they did not appeal: «First of all, everyone feels relieved that George is okay after his accident. I want you to know that we fully support Fernando. He is the most experienced driver in Formula 1. He has competed in more Grand Prix than anyone else and has more than 20 years of experience. He is a multiple world champion in various categories.
Aston Martin spoke out
«Receiving a 20-second penalty when there was no contact with the following car was a bitter pill to swallow, but we have to accept the decision. “We did everything we could, but without new evidence we cannot request a right of review,” added team boss Mike Krack.
«Fernando is a phenomenal driver and was using every tool at his disposal to finish ahead of George, as we saw in Brazil last year with Sergio. This is the art of motorsport at the highest level. “He would never put anyone in danger,” he explained.