Alonso shocked by presents in Belgium: 'Christmas came early this year'

There was no racing in Belgium, but still, the top ten were awarded - albeit half - points. Fernando Alonso, in eleventh place just outside the points, finds it shocking that points were earned this way.

Christmas came early

Alonso is unhappy with the race committee's decision to gift the top ten points. "It was a terrible day for everyone," Alonso said opposite Motorsportweek.com. "Christmas came early this year because presents were given to some people today. We didn't race, but they still get the position and still get the points, so it's actually shocking."

Alonso is particularly disappointed that he didn't get the chance to fight for points. "I was P11, I was one place ahead of the points. I was never allowed to fight for those points but they gave the points anyway." Max Verstappen in particular benefited from this decision, closing in on Lewis Hamilton by five points in the championship.

Sad day for the fans

The big losers of the Belgian Grand Prix however were the fans present, Alonso agreed, who expressed his condolences. "I'm sad for the people, the fans have been great all weekend. Despite the weather, they have continued to support us. And after the pandemic and the races with no spectators, it's so nice to see them now. When you can't give them anything in the race is terribly sad. It's a very strange day."