Fernando Alonso says he feels like an 'idiot'; 'penalties seem to differ on nationality'

Fernando Alonso claims that some drivers are being treated differently from others due to their nationality. The two-time Drivers' Champion added that he feels like an 'idiot' for following the rules as other drivers gain an unfair advantage by not following them.

For example, the Alpine F1 driver deliberately utilized the run-off area at the first corner during the Russian Grand Prix but ensured that he complied with the F1 rules. The Spaniard claimed that he performed the move "just to see the questions here in Istanbul, just to confirm when I do things, they have a different behaviour and different repercussions on the following event."

Alonso claims drivers are treated differently based on nationality

While speaking at the Turkish Grand Prix press conference, Fernando Alonso said that he seems like 'the idiot on track for most of the championship.' This is because 'while I've been overtaken from outside of the asphalt by many people in the first couple of races. And nothing happened, and there were no questions on the following race. And now after Sochi, there is a question, so it is a confirmation."

When he was asked what he meant by his previous comments, the Spaniard replied, "There are different rules for different people -- or different talks the week after for different people. The next one that crosses the white line on the pit entry, let's see which nationality he is and which penalty he will get."

Alonso seemed to be referencing the incident concerning Lando Norris when the British driver escaped punishment despite illegally crossing the white line at the pit entry. The stewards did not penalize Norris as they gave him leeway because of the rainy conditions at the Russian Grand Prix.

Turkish Grand Prix full schedule

Friday, October 8

Free Practice 1: 2:00 PM IST to 3:00 PM IST

Free Practice 2: 5:30 PM IST to 6:30 PM IST

Saturday, October 9

Free Practice 3: 2:30 PM IST to 3:30 PM IST

Qualifying: 5:30 PM IST to 6:30 PM IST

Sunday, October 10

Main Race: 5:30 PM IST to 7:30 PM IST