Fernando Alonso believes the British Grand Prix stewards were wrong not to penalize Haas' Kevin Magnussen for his uncompromising defensive driving in Sunday's race.

After his squabble with the Dane in free practice on Friday, Alonso found himself once having to deal with Magnussen's borderline tactics when the two ran nose-to-tail in the second part of the race.

As they battled for position, the Spaniard was pushed to the side at one point by the ruthless Haas driver.

"The incident was at Turn 7, I went around the outside and when I came back to the normal line I was pushed off, into the gravel," Alonso recalled.

"We’ve been told you have to leave room for the other car but some don’t and nothing happens.

"And then, as we were stuck behind a big group there was no possibility to attack those at the front of that group.

"I think we lost at least one place, but at the end we finished ahead of Magnussen, anyway."

Alonso, who concluded his day P8, wasn't a bit surprised by his rival's antics but felt the stewards should not have been as lenient.

"He fought hard, like he always does, and the FIA was a little soft today, in my opinion," he added.

"It was fine as in the last lap I could re-overtake him, so in the end there was maybe not a big difference in terms of position, so I’m happy for that, happy with the position, and with getting more points for the team."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

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