Alonso backs Verstappen over ’burnout’ ban
"I think the FIA should concentrate on other things"
Fernando Alonso has backed Max Verstappen after the FIA rebuked the championship leader for performing a chequered flag ’burnout’ after last Sunday’s race in Austria.
"I like it when the drivers are allowed to be themselves," said the two-time champion. "The fans like it too, which you can see by looking at the comments on social media.
"I think the FIA should concentrate on other things," the 39-year-old added.
The burnout is not the only way championship leader Verstappen is at odds with authorities at present.
He is also refusing to accept Pirelli’s refusal to take the blame for his race-ending Baku tyre blowout.
"If there was nothing wrong, then why are they changing something?" the Dutchman told De Telegraaf newspaper, referring to the new rear tyre construction that will be tested on Friday.
"I don’t have to be right, but it’s clear that something was wrong. We’ll see how it works for everyone."
As for his burnout ban, the 23-year-old joked: "I’ll do a donut next time.
"I understand about safety of course, but I looked in my mirrors, went all the way to the right, took it easy. But if it’s not allowed, ok, I won’t do it again.
"At the time, I thought it was funny and safe. If they don’t want to see this happening again, that’s fine with me," Verstappen added.
Red Bull
Wolff: All the stories about Kimi Antonelli do him no good
Ferrari to test Imola-spec upgrade before next race
Horner: No concerns about the ’strength and depth’ of Red Bull’s personnel setup
McLaren needs another big upgrade to catch Red Bull
More on Red Bull
Alpine F1 Team - Renault
Gasly quiet as Guanyu Zhou-Alpine rumours emerge
Gasly upbeat as fleeing McLaren man re-emerges at Alpine
Uncle admits Mick Schumacher’s F1 dream may be ending
Gasly hopes Alpine inching out of F1 crisis
Fleeing McLaren chief on way to struggling Alpine - rumour
More on Alpine F1 Team - Renault