Stewards 'surprised' Alonso cut chicane three laps in a row

Formula 1 race stewards were surprised by Fernando Alonso's decision to cut the chicane on each of the final three laps of Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but never considered black-flagging the McLaren driver during his final race start, according to the FIA's Charlie Whiting.

Alonso brought the curtain down on his F1 career with a run to 11th place at the Yas Marina Circuit, crossing the line two seconds behind Haas driver Kevin Magnussen at the chequered flag.

However, Alonso was hit with three separate five-second time penalties for leaving the track and gaining an advantage, with video footage showing the Spaniard had completely missed the Turn 8/9 chicane on the final three laps of the race.

Alonso picked up an additional 15 seconds for his race time, leaving him 17 seconds back from Magnussen in the final classification, albeit still in 12th place. He also received three penalty points on his FIA Super License, taking him up to six for the 12-month period.

FIA race director Whiting said after the race the stewards had been "surprised" by Alonso's chicane cuts, but never considered giving him a black-flag and disqualifying him from the race.

"I think they were surprised that it happened three laps in a row!" Whiting said.

"They just gave him a penalty each time, it was the end of the race.

"I don’t think it would have been very nice to give someone like Fernando a black flag in his last race. I don’t think a black flag was ever discussed."

Alonso spent the final laps of the race asking McLaren about the fastest lap, but was denied the chance to come in and fit fresh tyres due to the possibility he could score a point.