Aston Martin petition for ‘Right of Review’ over Alonso’s penalty following clash with Sainz in China

Aston Martin have petitioned for a ‘Right of Review’ over the stewards’ decision to give Fernando Alonso a penalty following his collision with Ferrari rival Carlos Sainz during the Sprint race in China.

Alonso and Sainz clashed while fighting over third position in the 100-kilometre dash at the Shanghai International Circuit, with their contact at Turn 9 sending the former into retirement and leaving the latter to salvage fifth place.

With the stewards determining that he “caused a collision”, Alonso was handed a 10-second time penalty and three penalty points for his actions, giving him a total of six for the 12-month period.

However, in the build-up to this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix, it was confirmed by the FIA that Aston Martin have initiated a ‘Right of Review’ process, with the hearing to take place across two stages.

Representatives from both Aston Martin and Ferrari have been called to the stewards at 0800 Miami time (14:00 CEST) on Friday, May 3, to initiate the process.

“It should be noted that this hearing will be held in two parts: the first part will be to hear evidence as to whether there is a ‘significant and relevant new element which was unavailable to the party seeking the review at the time of the decision concerned’,” explained the stewards’ note.

“Should the stewards determine, in accordance with Article 14.3 of the FIA International Sporting Code, that such an element exists, a second part of the hearing will be convened at a time to be advised.

“Any other ‘concerned party’ may seek the permission of the stewards to be present for the second part of the hearing, should one be convened.”