Alonso urges F1 drivers to address spate of race start crashes
Fernando Alonso calls for a drivers' meeting ahead of the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix after a series of first-lap collisions involving top teams.
Fernando Alonso has called for Formula 1 drivers to discuss a run of chaotic race starts that have marred the opening rounds of the 2016 season, with several high-profile collisions leaving teams counting the cost and drivers questioning the current approach to wheel-to-wheel racing off the line.
String of early-race collisions
The 2016 calendar opened with a series of first-lap incidents involving leading teams. In Bahrain, Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton collided at the first corner. China saw both Ferraris tangle, and in Russia Sebastian Vettel was sent into the barriers by Daniil Kvyat’s Red Bull, ending Vettel’s race and prompting a penalty for the Russian driver. Alonso, now one of the grid’s most experienced figures, said these incidents have made the opening corners unusually fraught this year.
“Especially the first few corners have been strange this year,” Alonso told Cadena Cope radio. He said he narrowly avoided the Sochi crash and wants the subject raised at the drivers’ meeting in Barcelona. “We have to see what has upset the grid so much this year.”
Kvyat in the spotlight, but Alonso urges restraint
Daniil Kvyat has found himself at the centre of criticism after two consecutive race start incidents. He was penalised for his part in the Sochi crash with Vettel, but Alonso cautioned against singling out the young Russian for blame in every case. The Spaniard said the Shanghai clash was an unfortunate situation for all involved and did not believe Kvyat was solely responsible there.
“Surely he was to blame for Sochi and that is why he received a penalty, so I am sure he will be a little calmer next time,” Alonso said. “But Shanghai I think was a little unfair on Kvyat, the whole controversy was an unfortunate situation for everyone but I don’t think anyone was to blame.”
What drivers want from the meeting
Alonso’s comments reflect a wider concern among drivers about the risks at the start of grands prix, especially as grid positions and early aggression increasingly shape race outcomes. The drivers’ meeting in Barcelona is expected to address whether current driving standards and stewarding are sufficient, or if further guidance is needed to prevent first-corner chaos.
- Bahrain: Bottas and Hamilton collide at Turn 1.
- China: Both Ferraris involved in opening lap clash.
- Russia: Vettel retired after Kvyat contact at Turn 2.
The outcome of the Barcelona discussion may influence how drivers approach the first laps in future races, but Alonso’s measured response suggests the grid is looking for solutions rather than scapegoats.
