Fernando Alonso's reflections on the 2007 Hungarian GP controversy
Fernando Alonso has revisited the controversial incident at the 2007 Hungarian Grand Prix, providing fresh insights into the rivalry with Lewis Hamilton. Alonso's perspective highlights not just a racing incident but intricate team dynamics and strategies within McLaren.
The Incident in Retrospect
Sixteen years have passed since the controversial events of the 2007 Hungarian Grand Prix unfolded, placing the McLaren duo of Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton center stage.
Recently, in an interview with the BBC, Fernando Alonso reignited discussions about the incident, presenting his personal perspective and revealing some hitherto undisclosed details.
'Pitlanegate'
The core of the controversy revolved around the final qualifying session, Q3. Alonso, while in the pit box for a tire change, delayed his exit by about ten seconds.
This caused Hamilton, who was waiting behind him, to be unable to initiate his own tire change.
This tactical delay resulted in Alonso securing pole position, leaving Hamilton, who had initially topped the run, in the second position.
The incident, quickly dubbed as 'Pitlanegate', significantly escalated the already simmering rivalry between the two drivers.
As a result, Alonso received a five-place grid penalty for his actions, relegating him to the sixth position on the grid.
Addressing these accusations, Alonso explains, "I said that I never held anyone, they just gave me old tyres when it was qualifying."
"So there is the radio transcript, the decision from the stewards, where it is written that they put me a penalty on an article that didn't exist."
"They just put the penalty but clarified it was not for any article."
Alonso and McLaren: A controversial intersection
Further stirring the pot was Alonso's claim that his own team filed a protest against him, an unprecedented move in the history of Formula 1.
He recollects, "And it was my team putting a protest against myself, which is the first time in the history of the sport."
"So when you put all these kinds of things and you don't see the facts, obviously it is difficult to clarify some misunderstandings."
It's worth noting that McLaren didn't officially register a protest against Alonso.
However, several high-ranking team members did voice their dissatisfaction to the FIA about Alonso's actions during the incident.
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