The Singapore Grand Prix and the Japanese Grand Prix had two different dynamics when it came to the way in which race stewards investigated and made decisions after the end of the race.
At the Marina Bay streets circuit, Red Bull’s Sergio Perez celebrated the victory and was then sanctioned with only a five second-penalty for not respecting the minimum distance from the Safety Car on two different occasions, a decision that came after long hours of waiting. Seven days later at the Suzuka circuit, however, Charles Leclerc was immediately penalized with a five-second penalty for cutting the last chicane, being relegated from the second place to the third step of the podium. An almost ‘live’ sanction that recalled the one against Max Verstappen in the 2017 United States Grand Prix when the Dutchman was ousted from the podium for overtaking Kimi Raikkonen by exploiting an excessive cut of a curb in the long corner towards right that characterizes the final sector of the Austin circuit.
Former Scuderia Ferrari driver Jean Alesi, in his usual comment on the Tuesday following a Grand Prix for the Italian daily newspaper Corriere della Sera, expressed hope that the FIA will soon be able to include a fixed team of paid professionals to direct and oversee all the championship races, thus avoiding the controversial decisions non-professional race stewards: “I think we need to fix the entire structure of the FIA. Starting, if I may give any advice, with the creation of a team of paid professionals to direct and oversee the races. No longer a whirlwind of figures linked to this or that team but a group above any side that does not change during the season. FIA needs to put an end to disparity in making decisions due to different sympathies and opinions.
In his analysis for the well-known Italian newspaper, the former Ferrari driver also focused on Max Verstappen, who was able to celebrate his second Formula 1 world championship title at the Suzuka circuit. Regarding the Dutchman, Jean Alesi wrote: “He showed maturity alongside speed. An extraordinary mix. I think the image of the start in Japan is a perfect synthesis. Charles Leclerc had a better start, Max chose an external, more risky trajectory. He pushed and passed. […] I am sure that every fan is willing to applaud him, also because Max Verstappen gave everyone a great show, helped by an exceptional car.” – the former F1 driver wrote.
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Then, however, Jean Alesi also wanted to point out that Red Bull’s titles are being overshadowed by the budget cap case, a delicate matter which needs to be solved by the FIA in order for the sport not to lose credibility: “Max Verstappen’s second title marks his consecration in a Formula 1 that this year found a winner and an antagonist in Charles Leclerc, who was capable of raising the quality of the duel. It is a pity that the title has been won once again amidst controversy”. – Jean Alesi concluded.
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