UNITED STATES: Spanish Formula One driver Fernando Alonso provided some amusing radio banter during the Miami Grand Prix on Sunday when he confused his engineers and fans with a comment about his team’s race strategy.
Running in second place behind Sergio Perez, Alonso told Aston Martin over the radio that it “feels like plan A minus 12”.
The radio message implied that he wanted to pit 12 laps before the pre-planned strategy, potentially undercutting Perez for a shot at the race lead.
However, Alonso stayed out on the track and later admitted to the media that the “minus 12” was a slip of the tongue.
“No, I had Plan A and Plan B, and I mixed them up; minus 12 was not what I meant,” he clarified.
He apologised for the mix-up over the radio and said that the engineers were laughing about it. “It was impossible to do minus 12 because we had already passed that lap.”
Alonso’s comment caused some confusion among viewers and social media users, but his team boss, Mike Krack, opted to explain the team’s strategy rather than point out his driver’s error.
Krack explained that the team wanted to stick to their strategy and not rush into undercuts. He wanted the drivers to get a tyre advantage.
He elaborated that the team did not know how long the hard tyres would last and didn’t want to get the drivers into traffic.
Despite the confusion, Alonso finished in third place and recorded his fourth podium in five races, bringing his total points in the Drivers’ Championship up to 75.
Formula One fans are already anticipating the next race, which will take place in Imola on May 21.
The historical Imola circuit is a favourite among drivers and fans alike, with its challenging corners and high speeds providing plenty of excitement.
Alonso will undoubtedly be looking to build on his impressive performance in Miami and climb even higher in the rankings.
With the 2023 season shaping up to be competitive for Mercedes, Ferrari, and Aston Martin, it promises to be an exciting few months for Formula One enthusiasts worldwide.
Also Read: Fernando Alonso Sets the Pace in Rain-interrupted Australian Grand Prix FP2
