F1 – Alonso: Crashgate, the victory of shame

Formula 1 has set up shop in Singapore to compete in the Grand Prix on the streets of the city-state on Sunday. A Grand Prix that Fernando Alonso has already won twice, notably in 2008 where his success caused a lot of ink to flow. Back to ‘crashgate’.

Fernando Alonso has several legendary successes to his credit but he has also created controversy during his long career. For his 20th career victory, Singaporethe Spaniard was at the origin of one of the biggest scandals in the discipline in the 21st century.

F1: Crash for Verstappen and Alonso, Hamilton takes advantage https://t.co/uCVhj1WXPg pic.twitter.com/GWXcbhdNHx

— le10sport (@le10sport) September 15, 2023

The premeditated accident of Nelson Piquet Jr

On September 28, 2008, the circuit of Marina Bay has Singapore witnessed an event that would change the history of the Formula 1. Nelson Piquet Jr., Brazilian driver of the team Renault, crashed violently against the wall, causing the safety car to exit. What seemed like an unfortunate accident quickly turned into an unprecedented scandal. Shortly after the accident, rumors began to circulate in the paddocks suggesting that the accident Piquet was in reality a deliberate act, designed to favor his teammate, Fernando Alonso. Piquet corroborated these allegations by revealing that the accident had been orchestrated by the managers of the team Renaultincluding the team director Flavio Briatore and the executive director Pat Symonds. The ensuing investigation confirmed the accusations of Piquet. It was revealed that the accident was premeditated, with Piquet being ordered to “voluntarily” crash to cause an exit from the safety car, allowing Alonso to gain a strategic advantage. During the race, Alonso had won the victory, while Piquetdesignated as the scapegoat, had been fired from the stable Renault.

Sanctions fall

The scandal of Crashgate had profound repercussions on the Formula 1. The stable Renault was sentenced to a two-year suspended suspension for her unsportsmanlike behavior, and Flavio Briatore et Pat Symonds were suspended for life from any activity related to the Formula 1. Renault had also lost two of its main sponsors with the bank ING et Mutua Madrilena. A real blow for the French team.