Alonso-Sainz Clash: "Someone Has to Give," Says Alonso

Fernando Alonso exited the Chinese GP Sprint after a clash with Carlos Sainz, blaming the incident on track rivalry.

Fernando Alonso was the only retirement from the Sprint at the Chinese Grand Prix, a voluntary withdrawal after the Aston Martin F1 driver suffered a puncture following contact with Carlos Sainz during their battle.

The two-time world champion is not overly frustrated, despite starting third, and he doesn’t think he lost many points. He was nevertheless summoned over the contact with Sainz, although he does not consider himself responsible.

“It was okay. The race was tough, there were a few turns where we went side by side, wheel against wheel. And in the end, someone has to give. I gave up the line in turn 8 to avoid contact, and he didn’t give in at turn 9 and we touched,” Alonso indicates.

“In Sprint races, there are only two or three points at stake at most, as we normally aim for seventh or eighth place. That’s not a lot of points. It’s a pity not to finish but I don’t think we lost many points today.”