The stewards explained the decision: “During the hearing, the driver confirmed that he left the track on several occasions while managing a brake issue. After further investigation and according to the exemptions outlined in the Driving Standards Guidelines, the stewards determined that this was not a justifiable reason and applied the standard penalty for this type of infringement. The team and driver did not contest the decision.”
As a result, Fernando Alonso moves up to seventh place, while the Ferrari driver falls to eighth. The penalty highlights the ongoing challenges faced by drivers managing mechanical issues while trying to maintain position in close battles on demanding circuits like Marina Bay.
This incident underscores the fine line between aggressive defensive driving and breaching track limits, particularly when mechanical concerns, such as failing brakes, complicate the final laps of a race.
