Alonso blasts F1's “shocking” decision to award points at Belgian GP

The Alpine driver was classified 11th in the rain-hit race at Spa-Francorchamps with the Belgian GP officially called after just two laps behind the safety car. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was declared the winner, ahead of George Russell’s Williams and championship leader Lewis Hamilton.

Several drivers criticised the decision to award half points to the top-10 finishers despite the conditions preventing any racing from taking place, with Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel labelling the outcome “a joke”.

Two-time world champion Alonso joined his rivals in believing it was wrong to hand out “gifts” when actual racing could not commence.

“It was a terrible day to be honest for everyone,” Alonso said. “It was a little bit of an early Christmas because there were some gifts gave today to some people.

“We didn’t race but they still get the position and still get the points, so it’s a little bit shocking.

“I was P11, I was one place to the points. I was never allowed to fight for those points but they still gave the points. It’s shocking in a way, but it’s the way it is.”

Lewis Hamilton labelled the Belgian GP a “farce” and called on the sport to issue refunds to fans attending the event who braved out the atrocious conditions all day and failed to see any action.

Alonso said he felt sorry for spectators after F1 was unable to put on a show for them.

“I feel sad for the people, the fans have been amazing all weekend,” the Spaniard added.

“With this weather, they’ve been always supporting. And after the pandemic, and after racing with no spectators for some part of the championship, now to see them is so nice.

“When you can give them nothing in the race is terribly sad. It’s a very strange day.”