Fernando Alonso has revealed he felt sorry for George Russell after the Mercedes star was momentarily denied a podium celebration.
The Spaniard crossed the line in P3 and stood on the podium alongside Red Bull’s Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen.
However, he later learned he had been stripped of his third place finish after incurring a 10-second time penalty.
In a shock twist, this was later reversed after Aston Martin appealed the FIA’s call.
But, ahead of the protest verdict, Alonso admitted he had sympathy for Russell and Mercedes.
He said: “No, it’s not fair for George, because I guess the Mercedes sponsors would love to be on the podium.”
