P1racenews AI automatic summary:
FIA summon Alonso and Stroll after fan snub
Aston Martin F1 drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll are facing an extraordinary FIA summons for an unusual breach of regulations. They were called to meet the stewards before Free Practice 3 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for failing to attend a fan-engagement activity, a violation of Article 19.2(c) of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations. This regulation stipulates that 10 drivers must engage with fans for 30 minutes each within a specified time frame before the start of Practice 1.
While it’s unclear what penalty Alonso and Stroll might face, past instances, like Max Verstappen being fined €25,000 in 2017 for missing a media session, provide some context. Aston Martin had a challenging day, with Alonso and Stroll missing FP1 and rookie drivers filling in. Their performance in FP2 saw slight improvement, with Alonso in ninth and Stroll in 12th place. The team is currently seventh in the standings and faces an uphill battle to overtake Racing Bulls in sixth.
Looking ahead, Aston Martin’s focus is on the 2026 season, aiming to become a title contender with a new car designed under Adrian Newey. The team’s current position in the standings and their performance in the last race will be crucial for their future ambitions in Formula 1. McLaren recently made headlines by pulling out of media duties in Abu Dhabi, showcasing the dynamics and challenges within the competitive world of F1.
