Near brush with wall leads to FIA investigation on these two F1 drivers
Co-author:Norberto Mujica
Marnik Kok caught the Formula 1 world around twenty years ago. A deep passion for motorsport, Ferrari, and a background in journalism led him to contribute to various (international) F1 platforms. Since 2020, Marnik has been active as an editor and journalist in the pinnacle of motorsport for several media outlets, including De Telegraaf. As of 2025, he brings that experience to GPblog as a seasoned editor.
During his active years as a journalist — now working as a freelancer — Marnik attended numerous events, with the Dutch Grand Prix standing out as one of the highlights. In addition to his work at GPblog, Marnik is also active in the communications sector at a major national provider and steps in wherever needed. Sitting still is not an option — especially not in motorsport!
During the third and final free practice, George Russell and Fernando Alonso almost collided with each other - and this at the entrance of the pit lane. The Aston Martin driver almost slammed into the concrete wall on the side of the track.
It seemed as if Russell and Alonso both wanted to drive into the pit lane, but naturally, it is not possible to do so side by side.
This year, the pit lane speed has been increased to 80 kilometers per hour, allowing drivers to approach the pit entry at much higher speeds.
That's what Alonso did: he shot from the bank corner towards the pits, but didn't know the slower Russell had the same idea.
Collision narrowly avoided
ADVERTISEMENT
Russell probably saw it happening in his mirrors and was able to divert to the track before the separation between circuit and pit lane, preventing a collision. However, Alonso almost hit the wall at relatively high speed.
The race direction is now reviewing the incident after the third practice and will determine if it results in a possible penalty.
Don’t miss GPblog in Google
Mark us as a preferred source and our articles will appear more often at the top of Top Stories.
Add as a preferred / source on Google
