At the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton experienced front brake failure yet managed to finish just ahead of Fernando Alonso in seventh place, sparking controversy over Hamilton’s track limit breaches. Alonso, frustrated by Hamilton’s ability to hold position despite repeatedly going off track, voiced his anger sharply after the race, highlighting the ongoing Lewis Hamilton brake controversy.
Starting from 10th on the grid, Alonso initially trailed Hamilton, who began the race in sixth, but the Spaniard’s steady pace and strategic approach helped him climb to eighth by the race’s end. Despite a slow pit stop restricting his progress, Alonso’s efforts positioned him close behind Hamilton, who struggled with diminishing brakes in the closing stages.
As Hamilton’s brake performance worsened, Alonso pushed hard to overtake but ultimately finished just tenths of a second behind. However, Hamilton exceeded track limits on several occasions to defend his position, prompting Alonso to express his frustration over radio immediately after the chequered flag:
“Oh, f**king hell, man. I cannot believe it. Yeah, he knew it. I cannot f**king believe it, I cannot f**king believe it. I mean, I cannot f**king believe it. I cannot f**king believe it. Is it safe to drive with no brakes?”
— Fernando Alonso, Ferrari Driver
“Yeah, but this should be f**king P7. I mean, you cannot drive. Yeah, it may well be. Like if you are alone on track. Yeah, I mean, no respect the red flag yesterday, today, free track for them. I mean, maybe too much.”
— Fernando Alonso, Ferrari Driver
Hamilton’s repeated incursions beyond track limits prompted a stewards’ investigation, raising the possibility of a penalty that could demote him to eighth place. Should Hamilton receive a five-second penalty, Alonso would move up as the next driver finished more than 13 seconds behind, potentially altering the final classification.
Alonso Criticizes FIA’s Handling of Hamilton’s Track Limit Infractions
The debate surrounding possible preferential treatment toward British drivers in Formula 1 has persisted for years, with Fernando Alonso previously voicing concerns on such biases. Given Hamilton’s multiple warnings for track limit violations late in the race, Alonso appealed to the FIA to apply rules fairly and not grant Hamilton undue leniency, as he reiterated in a DAZN interview:
“We all have to stick to the track, with or without brakes. He always gets more leniency, hopefully today it’s a bit less.”
— Fernando Alonso, Ferrari Driver
This request underscores the heightened tension around the enforcement of rules when high-profile drivers are involved and reflects Alonso’s demand for equitable competition conditions.
Strategic Battle and Brake Issues Define Singapore GP Showdown
The Singapore Grand Prix’s 62-lap race featured a tactical battle amid challenging conditions, with Alonso adapting his strategy to recover from a slow pit stop and make up positions. Meanwhile, Hamilton wrestled with brake degradation, forcing him to adjust braking points and maintain control under difficult circumstances.
Despite his mechanical issues, Hamilton narrowly held off Alonso’s advances, but his off-track excursions raised safety and fairness concerns, intensifying the post-race drama. Hamilton’s brake failures not only impacted his pace but influenced how the battle for position unfolded in the final laps.
Implications of the Incident for Race Outcomes and Formula 1 Governance
The situation at the Singapore GP highlights crucial questions about race regulations and stewarding consistency in Formula 1. If Hamilton faces penalties for his track limit breaches, it could alter the official race results, benefiting Alonso and affecting team standings. This incident also feeds into broader discussions about equal treatment of drivers and transparency from governing bodies like the FIA.
For Alonso, the race was a chance to salvage valuable points, and his contention over Hamilton’s conduct and subsequent stewarding decisions reflects ongoing tensions in the sport. Fans and teams alike will watch closely how the FIA addresses such issues, which could set precedents for future incidents involving track limits and driver safety.
Geetansh Pasricha, a motorsport writer and journalism undergraduate, provides ongoing coverage of Formula 1 and other racing series, analyzing developments such as these that shape the competitive landscape.
🗣️ Fernando Alonso, sobre la potencial sanción a Hamilton por track limits
"Todos tenemos que hacer la pista, con o sin frenos. Él siempre tiene más tolerancia, ojalá que hoy sea un poco menos"#SingapurDAZNF1 🇸🇬 pic.twitter.com/zOfD5Ys0eM
— DAZN España (@DAZN_ES) October 5, 2025
