FIA defended for Lewis Hamilton penalty decision after Fernando Alonso 'screaming'

Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has defended the FIA stewards for handing Lewis Hamilton a five-second time penalty in Singapore, despite a "screaming" Fernando Alonso demanding more.

Hamilton received a post-race time penalty for leaving the circuit on several occasions in the closing laps at the Marina Bay Circuit, due to a brake problem. 

The seven-time world champion had been contesting for fifth, but lost almost the entirety of his brakes in the final laps. It resulted in the Briton cutting several corners to ensure he finished the race, although at a significantly slower pace.

Hamilton finished just a few tenths ahead of Alonso in seventh and eighth, with the penalty switching the duo's positions. 

While the FIA recognised Hamilton was managing an issue, it was not deemed as a "justifiable reason" to have left the circuit as many times as he did. 

Alonso was furious over the Ferrari driver being allowed to finish the race, resulting in a fiery radio message full of f-bombs and frustration.

Herbert, a former F1 steward, understands Alonso's frustration but does believe the stewards awarded the correct punishment to Hamilton.

Asked if Alonso had a point, Herbert told BettingLounge.co.uk: "He does. It was probably the right thing to do to give Lewis that penalty because there was a bit of cutting of certain corners, so he didn't have to brake. He got his just desserts. 

"The stewards made the right call. Fernando was definitely making sure the stewards were aware of his anger. But I think it was quite clear at the end of the day that liberties were being taken for Lewis to get to the end of the race. 

"You can't take those liberties, you can't cheat to that degree. Very Fernando, getting on his high horse, shouting and screaming! 

"We all expect that from Fernando, that competitiveness from that very first race when he came into Formula One all those years ago."