Aston Martin uncovers reason behind Alonso’s lift and coast order in F1 Canadian GP
In the closing stages of the race, Fernando Alonso was fending off Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes in the battle for second place when his team instructed him to start lifting and coasting without providing any explanation.
After the race, Aston Martin’s team principal, Mike Krack, revealed that the request was prompted by a perceived issue with the fuel system, which turned out to be a false alarm.
“We believed there was a problem with the fuel system,” Krack explained.
“However, we were uncertain, so as a precautionary measure, we advised Fernando to save some fuel and adopt a lift and coast strategy.”
When pressed by F1 Flow.com for further information on the nature of the erroneous indication, Krack declined to provide additional details, simply stating, “We believed there was a problem, but it didn’t materialize in the end.”
Although Alonso’s needless lift and coast approach cost him some lap time, Aston Martin was unwilling to take any chances of losing the driver’s sixth podium finish of the season.
“It’s difficult to assess the cost to us. Perhaps a few tenths, one or two,” Krack estimated.
“It was a precautionary measure. You can either risk not finishing or arrive with a bit more fuel, so we opted for safety.”
Aston Martin F1 Team, Team Principal, Mike Krack
Photo by: Zak Mauger / F1 Flow Images
The vague instructions from the Silverstone-based team to Alonso, which he speculated were meant “to not make me worry too much,” also led TV broadcasters and rival teams to speculate about the nature of his troubles.
Towards the end of the race, Mercedes informed Hamilton that Alonso might have been experiencing brake issues, which amused the Aston Martin pitwall.
“I was surprised to see those comments as well,” Krack added.
“I believe Lewis was told we had a brake issue. We exchanged glances and thought, ‘Oh, I suppose they know more about our car than we do! We should consult all the Mercedes engineers.’
“But no, we didn’t have any problems.”
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about precautionary fuel system concern
What was the reason behind the lift and coast order given to Alonso in the F1 Canadian GP?
Alonso was instructed to lift and coast in the closing stages of the race as a precautionary measure due to a perceived issue with the fuel system. However, it turned out to be a false alarm.
Why did Aston Martin not provide an explanation to Alonso?
Aston Martin did not provide a detailed explanation to Alonso in order to avoid causing unnecessary worry or distraction to the driver during the race.
Did Alonso’s lift and coast strategy affect his lap times?
Yes, Alonso’s adoption of the lift and coast strategy did result in some lost lap time. However, Aston Martin prioritized ensuring his sixth podium finish of the season over potential time loss.
What was the speculation surrounding Alonso’s troubles?
Due to the vague instructions given to Alonso, TV broadcasters and rival teams speculated about the nature of his troubles, with Mercedes suggesting brake issues. However, Aston Martin confirmed that there were no actual problems with the car.
How much time did Aston Martin estimate was lost due to the precautionary measures?
Aston Martin estimated that the lift and coast strategy may have cost them a few tenths of a second, possibly one or two, in lap time. However, the team believed it was a necessary precaution to ensure the race finish and maintain safety.
More about precautionary fuel system concern
- Aston Martin reveals cause of Alonso’s F1 Canadian GP lift and coast order
- F1 Flow.com – Interview with Mike Krack
- Alonso says F1 Canadian GP “70 laps of qualifying” for him
- Mercedes suggests brake issues for Alonso in Canadian GP
- Bird was entangled in Verstappen’s F1 car for Canadian GP
- Hamilton: Aston Martin ‘a bit of a step ahead’ of Mercedes in Canadian GP
