Spanish racer Fernando Alonso was left perplexed following a decision to award him a five-second penalty, during the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday.

The decision arose after a clash between Alonso and Canadian Lance Stroll during the opening lap, resulting in Stroll forcing the former world champion off the track.

Alonso raced across the gravel, as opposed to the escape road, and subsequently overtook the Canadian.

Stroll was awarded a five-second penalty for his infringement but, to Alonso’s annoyance, he too was struck with a penalty for gaining an unfair advantage. The Spaniard was clearly left frustrated by this outcome and didn’t hold back in his criticism.

“Even when the driver comes to apologise I think it’s difficult to understand the decision but you know, this is how bad Formula 1 is,” stated Alonso.

“You are braking on the outside at the last corner, and one guy didn’t see you, and came here to apologise after you go on the gravel and you get the penalty. It’s a shame.”

Alonso finished the race in 14th, three places ahead of Stroll, and was left bemoaning the “randomness and pure consistency” of the stewards’ decision making.

“It was just an unfortunate situation in a race situation,” Alonso added. “It doesn’t change much because instead of 14th maybe you finish 12th, but it’s the way it is.”

Despite Alonso’s bemusement, FIA race director Charlie Whiting was quite clear on the decision and had no problem in defending the stewards’ decisions.

“I think the stewards felt it was perfectly clear what Fernando did,” stated Whiting. “He cut the chicane, drove quickly across the gravel, came back on well in front. I think that was pretty clear that he had gained an advantage by leaving the track.”

Whiting acknowledged that Alonso was forced off the track by Stroll but insisted that this was not justification for Alonso’s actions.

“You couldn’t say that because Fernando was forced off, he was entitled to cut the chicane. He wasn’t. He shouldn’t have taken the place by doing it,” claimed Whiting.

“But equally, Stroll shouldn’t have pushed him off the track. They felt that each driver should be given a five-second penalty for two separate offences.”

This latest incident will do nothing to improve the mood of the two-time world champion, with Alonso cutting a frustrated figure for much of the season. Next up is the US Grand Prix as the championship heads into its final four races.