How is an F1 race complete without a bit of drama? Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has called out Fernando Alonso for blowing the pitlane incident between him and Lewis Hamilton during the 2023 Canadian GP out of proportion.
Both Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso were in the battle for P2 and a quicker pitstop meant they could seal the spot. Hence Lewis Hamilton had an unsafe release from the pitstop and almost collided with Fernando Alonso who was driving out in the pitlane himself.
Toto Wolff dismisses Fernando Alonso’s incident claims
Fernando Alonso and Aston Martin carried out a perfect pitstop as they were able to give him the edge over Lewis Hamilton. However, Lewis and Mercedes just managed to pull off a quick pitstop and get in front of Alonso while exiting the pit.
In order to avoid contact, he had to brake suddenly and save his car from damage that could potentially ruin his race.
Toto Wolff after the incident, “It was a bit of drama. Shaking the steering a little bit and a little bit of touching of the brakes. He is good at that, the cries of ‘I nearly hit him’… a bit of drama.”
How did Fernando Alonso do in Canadian GP
As promised, Nando did not disappoint when he said “This would be the last race without a podium” during the Spanish GP. By securing second place Fernando has put himself and his team on a higher position in the leaderboard.
Fernando Alonso, post-race said, “I think we were hoping to challenge a little bit more the Red Bull, but we lost a place at the start with Lewis. Then it was a battle with the Mercedes, and Lewis was pushing all the race. I didn’t have one lap where I could relax a little bit, so it was an amazing battle.”
He was constantly in battle with Lewis Hamilton from the start as Lewis had an incredible race start. Fernando Alonso, despite his pushing age, is not showing any signs of slowing down. A race win is his dream goal and from the looks of it, we will likely see one in the coming races.
Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso’s stint go way back to Mclaren 2008 when Hamilton was just a rookie while Alonso was a two-time world champion. It is natural to see little outbursts from both sides here and there, with especially team principals being involved.
What are your thoughts on the pitlane incident between Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso during the Canadian GP? Do you agree with Toto Wolff’s dismissal of Alonso’s claims? Let us know in the comments section!
