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Alex Albon urges F1 to rethink 10-second penalty policy after Kevin Magnussen ‘unsportsmanlike’ Saudi Arabian GP strategy

Willaims F1 driver Alex Albon was one of the many victims to Kevin Magnussen‘s blocking strategy to help his teammate Nico Hulkenberg to secure P10 finish and one championship point. Magnussen was penalized with a 10-second time penalty for failing to provide sufficient space for Alex Albon during their battle towards Turn 4. Only 11 minutes were passed before Magnussen received another 10-second time penalty.

The Danish Driver went off-track and didn’t to return the position to Yuki Tsunoda. He escaped without serving any penalty. Kevin Magnussen proceeded to reduce his speed, this tactic was employed to establish an opportunity for Haas team-mate Nico Hulkenberg to make a pitstop. Hence Alex Albon believes the time has come to change the rule to stop such abuse of it.

Kevin Magnussen

Basically they have guaranteed their teammate a point for a ten second penalty, I don’t know why they shouldn’t do that in every race. I don’t think increasing the penalty from five to ten seconds is right, the team needs to driver to return the position and not leave it as it is Alex Albon said via Soymotor.

Albon stated the Haas team had guaranteed their teammate a good position in replacement of a 10 second penalty. This makes the F1 given penalty worthless. The Thai driver argued that increasing time penalty isn’t effective to stop such strategy, that RB called ‘unsportsmanlike.‘ So the drivers has to give the position back as well.

Kevin Magnussen has no remorse about the tactics

Kevin Magnussen, though un-happy with the two penalty that was imposed on him, which also cost him track positions, admitted that he has no remorse about it. Hass is a desperate fight for valuable points, hence he is happy he made such a decision.

I’m not happy with myself to get those two penalties, but at least I was able to help the team to create a gap for Nico to pit and get a point. It’s a tight battle between the five teams at the back. From P6 down to 10th it’s a real championship, so every point matters. Magnuson said.

Magnussen will need to perform very well to stay on the grid for 2025 and beyond. They see Hulkenberg as the better option for them. So, the Dane has to prove himself playing team game as well as some selfish moves, which is a necessary evil.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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