Carlos Sainz accuses Fernando Alonso of influencing Madrid penalty

Carlos Sainz has accused Fernando Alonso of influencing race stewards following a collision between the two Spanish drivers during the Madrid Grand Prix. The incident occurred on the 12th to 14th lap as the drivers were battling for 17th place.

While navigating a technical section of the circuit, Alonso attempted to overtake Sainz on the outside. Contact occurred when the Williams of Sainz moved toward the right, resulting in damage to the front wing of Alonso’s Aston Martin. Race officials reviewed telemetry and video, ultimately determining that Sainz had not left sufficient space, resulting in a five-second penalty.

Sainz contends that the penalty was a direct result of Alonso’s radio complaints. He suggested that Alonso’s immediate protests to his team, including claims of being pushed against the wall, swayed the decision-makers. Sainz argued that the track configuration makes such contact nearly inevitable when drivers are side-by-side in that specific corner.