Carlos Sainz claims that Fernando Alonso instigated a penalty "as usual."

As if the criticisms regarding the track configuration weren't sufficient, the inaugural Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix at the newly constructed Madring circuit ignited an unpleasant exchange between the two local favorites. Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz were all smiles prior to the race, but the friendly atmosphere quickly faded by lap 14, when Alonso was attempting to overtake Sainz for 17th position. 

Alonso was trying to set up a pass on Sainz on the right side as they approached the Turn 5 chicane when Sainz veered right to claim the racing line. With the walls so close, Alonso had no escape route, resulting in Sainz's rear-right wheel damaging the front-wing endplate of the Aston Martin.

Alonso promptly took to the radio to express his frustration – a typical strategy to alert race control about the incident, ensuring it was acknowledged.

"At the start, he collided with two drivers," fumed Alonso. "Now he pushed me into the wall while braking."

Sainz had indeed made contact with Yuki Tsunoda's Racing Bulls car during the chain reaction as the field entered Turn 1 at the race's commencement. Although this was noted by the stewards, it was classified as a racing incident.

However, the contact with Alonso was seen as serious enough to warrant a five-second penalty.

"It's just the nature of that corner when you turn right, and I think he complained on the radio so he managed to get me a penalty as usual," Sainz remarked afterward.

"I believe the nature of that corner will always lead to such collisions because there's only room for one – there's not even enough space for two – and you can't keep checking your mirrors while turning and navigating a right-left because you need to focus ahead, so at some point, you have to concentrate on your driving line.

"I don't think Fernando was next to me or anything."

It was all smiles before the race as Alonso and Sainz met Spain's King Felipe

The rationale behind the penalty was clearly outlined in the stewards' statement released by the FIA.

"Car 14 [Alonso] was approaching Car 55 [Sainz] and was in the midst of pulling alongside when Car 55 moved towards the right edge of the track after the deceleration phase had begun, leading to slight contact between the two vehicles," the statement explained.

"The stewards determined that Car 55 moved while braking and should have left more space for Car 14 on the outside. The standard penalty for moving under braking is a black/white flag. However, the stewards considered that both cars made contact and thus imposed a time penalty accordingly."

Sainz ultimately had to retire when the team decided that damage to the floor from the early-lap incident was costing him too much time. Alonso finished 17th, two laps behind the leaders.

"If they [the stewards] think that [penalty] is sufficient, that's fine by me," said Alonso. "Neither of us finished in the points, but I believe it was unnecessary. There was ample space on the left.

"I was just next to the wall on the right, at 340km/h. I think it was uncalled for."