Alonso makes 'disqualification' quip over Japan defence tactic

Fernando Alonso has joked he must stay quiet over his defensive tactics at the Japanese Grand Prix or he could face punishment.

The Spaniard's comments come after he was issued a 20-second time penalty in Australia for braking early into Turn 6 on the penultimate lap of the race while defending from Mercedes' George Russell.

The stewards deemed that Alonso's manoeuvre caused Russell to lose control of his car and hit the barrier.

In the final stages of the race in Japan, Alonso visibly backed off to provide McLaren's Oscar Piastri with DRS as the Australian was being chased down by Russell on fresh tyres.

Piastri's aid in a straight line from Alonso helped him stay ahead of Russell, which also protected Alonso from being overtaken by the Mercedes driver.

Speaking to DAZN F1 after the race, Alonso quipped that he could be disqualified for admitting that he used such a tactic.

"I don't know what to say anymore after Australia, let's see if I get disqualified for the rest of the championship,” the two-time world champion smiled.

Alonso details previous use

Alonso highlighted that his scheme was similar to that used by Carlos Sainz last year in Singapore en route to a race victory.

“It's clear that having Piastri behind, it was a way to defend myself from Russell,” Alonso commented.

“I was probably taking a bit of battery off on the last straight to get Piastri within a second.

“Carlos did it like that in Singapore last year too, and it's a normal racing thing.”