Alonso calls the unconventional Monaco approach “very contrived.”
In an effort to prevent a replay of the historic race that Formula One experienced in the principality, Fernando Alonso has dismissed the notion of adding a “joker lap” to the Monaco Grand Prix.
In order to prevent processional races at Monaco, Fernando Alonso has rejected the concept of Formula One implementing a rallycross procedure.
Instead, the 42-year-old said that more improvement was needed for Monte Carlo qualifying, not the race. After the two Haas drivers were disqualified, the Aston Martin driver was promoted from P16 to P14 at the beginning of the grid-setting session, when he was knocked out.
Pit stop strategy, the only means of moving positions during the renowned race, was virtually completely ruined by the red flag on the first lap of the Monaco Grand Prix.
The primary possibility of overtaking was eliminated when the field was permitted to do its one required tire change during the stoppage caused by Kevin Magnussen and Sergio Perez. For the first time in Formula One history, the top 10 finished the race in the same order that they began it in, thanks to Alonso’s only possible recovery to P11.
But he was quick to brush off the concept when asked after the race if he could think of a way to encourage overtaking in Monaco, like a “joker lap.”
“Not at all. That seems a little too manufactured,” he responded to reporters, including RacingNews365. “I believe it is good right now. Because Monaco is Monaco, I adore it. You prepare for that one lap [in qualifying] during every free practice session because everything happens on Saturday.
defining the “one” modification that Alonso would make
In rallycross, a driver may use a “joker lap,” which is a longer, more time-consuming course taken just once during the race. It adds a strategic component in terms of knowing when to deploy it, and theoretically, it might introduce another element or variable to enhance Monaco race day.
But according to Alonso, Saturday’s race in Monte Carlo—which garners the most attention due to the mounting discontent around Formula One’s most renowned event—is what actually needs fixing.
He said, “Unfortunately, traffic is a major problem with these cars during qualifying and with the downforce that we’re running right now.”
Therefore, if there is one thing I would change about Monaco, it would not be on Sunday. Sunday is what it is, but on Saturday, we should all be able to do that lap, and we aren’t right now.
“Everything is somewhat arbitrary. If you find yourself stuck in traffic again, keep in mind that Lando Norris almost missed qualifying yesterday and that Checo [Sergio Perez] received the plastic bags yesterday. This goes to show how important it is that Saturday qualifying remains magical.
