Alonso under fire over dangerous Leclerc near miss

Ferrari Team Principal Frederic Vasseur believes Fernando Alonso's aggressive rejoin onto the track was "far too much" during the Qatar Grand Prix.

Alonso was handed a reprimand by the stewards after rejoining the circuit in an "unsafe" manner and into the path of Leclerc having had a snap of oversteer and ran wide at Turn 2.

The Aston Martin driver was defending his position in the top five from Leclerc, following an overtake by Lando Norris 33 laps into the race.

After running through the gravel, Alonso followed a stretch of relief road that rejoined into the path of those exiting Turn 3, with Leclerc having to take avoiding action as Alonso returned.

Speaking to media, including RacingNews365, Vasseur claimed: "If it had been the opposite, I think that Fernando would have been more than vocal over the team radio.

"That his life was 'really on the edge' and so and so..."

"I think it was far too much coming from nowhere, and crossing the track at 90 degrees, but it's not my decision."

Leclerc: It was on the limit

Leclerc would ultimately make his way past the Aston Martin driver and finish fifth at the Lusail International Circuit, a position behind George Russell to keep the battle with Mercedes for second in the Constructors' interesting.

Addressing Alonso's rejoin, Leclerc said: "It was on the limit yes. But on the other hand, honesty he was so far off that I don't think he saw me at any point when coming back.

"So it's not the best way to return to the track, at the same time I don't think he was aware that I was there."