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Alonso comments on pivotal championship moment: 'In the DNA of F1'
Fernando Alonso has revealed his opinion behind Daniel Ricciardo's controversial fastest lap at the Singapore Grand Prix. In his last F1 outing for VCARB, Ricciardo snatched the fastest lap, and an extra point, away from championship challenger Lando Norris. F1 veteran Alonso acknowledged that Ricciardo's final act to help the senior Red Bull team and Max Verstappen may not be morally right. However, the two-time world champion understands that every point counts towards the championship.
Fastest lap point scrapped:
It was recently announced that the FIA will scrap the fastest lap point from the start of the 2025 season. The fastest lap point is only awarded if you finish in the top 10, and there have been mixed reactions to the decision from fans and drivers alike. The fastest lap point was introduced suddenly at the start of the 2019 season, and the decision to scrap it comes just a few weeks after 18th-placed Ricciardo's lap stole a point away from winner, Lando Norris.
Alonso is certain 'it will not change much'
Many drivers were asked for their views on removing the extra point, including Alonso. "You know, I raced 90 per cent of my career without points for the fastest lap and it was fine. So I guess it will not change much," he said in a conversation with Viaplay. Alonso entered F1 in 2001 and didn't drive with the fastest lap point up until its introduction in 2019. "And if they decide that this is the way to go, I think we will support it."
Asked about the extra point Ricciardo deprived Norris of, Alonso said: "Not many things that we have in Formula 1 are in the spirit of the rules. That's how you win championships. So I think what Daniel did in Singapore is the DNA of Formula 1." The Spaniard concluded.
Red Bull has been criticised due to its dual team ownership, and it's clear they took advantage of this in Singapore. Still, Lando Norris sits 52 points behind Max Verstappen with six races and three sprints still to come.
This article was written in collaboration with Nicole Mulder
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