F1 champion issues health update in emotional…read more
Fernando Alonso, the two-time Formula 1 world champion, recently gave an update on his health after a physically demanding weekend at the Brazilian Grand Prix. The 43-year-old has been battling illness for two consecutive race weekends, which led him to miss media obligations on Thursday. Despite his condition, Alonso was able to join the single practice session on Friday and later participated in the sprint qualifying.
The weekend proved to be one of the most challenging this season for Alonso, who had shown strong pace with his Aston Martin team but was unable to convert it into points. During qualifying, he faced a setback, crashing out in a disappointing session. This misfortune set the tone for the weekend, and despite his efforts, Alonso finished 14th in the sprint race and 18th in Sunday’s main event, marking another weekend without points for the veteran driver.
After the race, Alonso expressed his appreciation for his team, especially his mechanics, who worked hard to prepare his car despite his qualifying incident. Committed to finishing the race for his team, Alonso pushed through the 69 laps, even as he endured significant physical strain. He could be heard over the team radio, acknowledging the toll the race was taking on his body, saying, “I will finish the race for the mechanics. They did a very good job today. But my back is hurting, man. This bouncing is not normal.” Alonso was referring to the intense discomfort caused by the bouncing of his car on the newly resurfaced Interlagos track, which posed issues for both him and his teammate, Lance Stroll. Stroll faced even greater difficulties, crashing out before the race had even begun, during the formation lap.
At the end of the race, Alonso needed assistance to exit his car, clearly in pain from the grueling conditions. He later explained that the rough resurfacing of the Interlagos circuit had placed severe strain on his back, making the race particularly challenging. Alonso, currently ninth in the drivers’ championship standings, has faced a difficult 2024 season, contrasting sharply with his successful 2023 campaign, which included eight podium finishes.
During his post-race interview with Spanish media, Alonso appeared emotional, reflecting on both his physical struggles on the track and recent tragic events back home. The driver expressed sympathy for those affected by severe floods in Spain, acknowledging the challenges faced by families there. This moment showed a compassionate side to Alonso, as he dedicated a part of his message to the tragedies in his homeland, adding a heartfelt note to an already difficult weekend.
Despite the setbacks he’s faced, Alonso remains determined to push through the remainder of the season, though he is aware of the toll recent races have taken on both his health and his morale. As the 2024 season continues, Alonso aims to finish strong, though it’s clear he faces a challenging path ahead.
