In a surprise development for Formula 1 fans, Aston Martin’s veteran driver and two-time world champion, Fernando Alonso, fell ill just before his highly anticipated 400th Grand Prix race weekend in Mexico City. The 43-year-old Spaniard, originally scheduled to attend a press conference at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, was unable to participate due to illness.
Alonso’s team stated he is now focused on resting and recovering in time for his scheduled return to the AMR24 car during Friday’s practice sessions. “Fernando is focused on feeling 100% for Friday and his planned return to the AMR24 for free practice two,” the team reassured fans. This situation shifts attention to Aston Martin’s Brazilian reserve driver, Felipe Drugovich, who had already planned to step in for Alonso in the first practice session.
Though the upcoming race weekend will mark Alonso’s historic 400th Grand Prix entry, technical challenges throughout his career mean he has completed 396 official race starts. Moments like the 2001 Belgian GP, when he couldn’t rejoin due to a Minardi issue, the 2005 United States GP where only six cars competed due to tyre disputes, and a McLaren engine failure at the start of the 2017 Russian GP have left gaps in his otherwise extensive record.
Alonso’s journey through the F1!
Reflecting on his career in a recent team interview, Fernando Alonso acknowledged that milestones like championships and race wins define a driver’s legacy but that his endurance and love for the sport have been instrumental in achieving a record few other's approaches.
“Championships and race wins are what matter most to us as drivers but, at the same time, it shows my love for the sport and the discipline I’ve had to perform at a very high level for more than 20 years,” he commented. Though he doesn’t expect to complete another 400 races, he remains optimistic about extending his career with at least “another 40 or 50 more” starts over the next few years.
One of Formula 1’s most versatile drivers, Alonso has excelled in multiple racing disciplines. Alongside his F1 career, he’s won the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice with Toyota, clinched the World Endurance Championship, and impressed fans in both the 2017 Indianapolis 500, where he led for 27 laps, and in his 2020 Dakar Rally debut, finishing 13th.
Alonso sees advancements in Formula 1 technology as an advantage for extending a driver’s career, highlighting the sport’s improved seat comfort, safety equipment, and helmet technology. “Modern F1 is easier on the body than previous eras...technology in F1 has changed so the cars are a little friendlier to the drivers,” he explained.