Jolyon Palmer recently recounted a notable on-track incident with Fernando Alonso during the 2017 Italian Grand Prix. The clash involved Palmer, then driving for Renault, and Alonso, who was competing with McLaren-Honda at Monza. The event has been a recurring topic of discussion in Formula 1 circles.
The incident occurred as both drivers battled for position under braking at the circuit’s second chicane. Palmer cut the chicane during the manoeuvre but maintained his position ahead of Alonso. This action immediately drew a strong reaction from the Spanish driver.
Alonso was visibly incensed by Palmer’s refusal to cede the position after leaving the track. Race stewards subsequently issued Palmer a five-second time penalty for the infraction. Alonso, however, deemed this penalty insufficient for the perceived advantage gained.
The two-time world champion expressed his frustration over team radio, repeatedly calling the five-second penalty ‘a joke’. His radio messages, including a later exclamation of ‘Karma!’ upon hearing of Palmer’s retirement, subsequently gained significant traction online.
Palmer’s perspective on the incident was that Alonso had forced him off the track. He also stated that he was unconcerned by Alonso’s anger or the penalty, as he had pulled away and pitted, emerging still ahead of the McLaren.
The 2017 season was particularly challenging for McLaren, whose Honda power unit, the RA617H, suffered from significant reliability and performance issues. Alonso frequently voiced his dissatisfaction with the engine’s lack of power throughout the year.
This Monza incident was not the first time the two drivers had clashed that season. A week prior, at the Belgian Grand Prix, Alonso had run Palmer off the road without receiving a penalty, leading to a lengthy drivers’ meeting to discuss the matter.
Both drivers ultimately retired from the 2017 Italian Grand Prix. Palmer’s race ended due to a hydraulic problem, while Alonso retired two laps from the finish with clutch issues. McLaren also used Alonso’s retirement to change his gearbox without penalty for the subsequent race.
Currently, in September 2026, Jolyon Palmer works as a Formula 1 pundit and analyst. He provides commentary for F1TV, BBC, and Channel 4, offering insights into the ongoing season.
Fernando Alonso, at 45 years old, continues to compete in Formula 1 with Aston Martin. His contract with the team is set to expire at the end of the current 2026 season. Discussions regarding his future, including a potential extension or retirement, are expected in the coming weeks.
“I will be with this team in one role or in another for the long term,” Alonso stated recently, indicating his commitment to Aston Martin beyond his driving career.
Aston Martin has faced a challenging 2026 campaign thus far, with Alonso securing a single point at the Monaco Grand Prix. Despite this, Alonso remains a key figure in the driver market for the 2027 season.
