Fernando Alonso skips Mexico Grand Prix duties as .... Read more

Fernando Alonso skips Mexico Grand Prix duties as Aston Martin release statement

Fernando Alonso will miss media day activities at the Mexican Grand Prix due to illness, as confirmed by Aston Martin. This upcoming race is significant for the veteran driver, marking his 400th Grand Prix entry—a record in Formula 1, surpassing Kimi Raikkonen, who has 353 entries.

Aston Martin released a statement on Thursday indicating that Alonso is unwell and will not participate in the media obligations ahead of the race weekend. The team emphasized that Alonso is prioritizing his recovery in hopes of being fully fit for the first practice session on Friday. In the meantime, Felipe Drugovich, the team’s test and reserve driver, will take over Alonso’s AMR24 during Free Practice One, giving him the opportunity to drive in a race weekend for the first time this season.

Drugovich expressed his enthusiasm about stepping into the car, highlighting that he has been eagerly awaiting this chance. He noted that he has spent a significant amount of time working on the car’s development in the team’s simulator throughout the year, which makes this outing particularly valuable for him. He aims to establish a connection between the simulator data and the real-world performance of the AMR24. Drugovich acknowledged the challenge of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, a track he has yet to experience, and plans to use the simulator extensively to prepare for the unique characteristics of the circuit, which features a combination of long straights and complex corners.

As Alonso anticipates returning to the track, he faces a potentially challenging weekend. During the previous race in Austin, Aston Martin introduced new upgrades but struggled to find competitive pace, finishing the race without scoring points. Alonso and his teammate, Lance Stroll, ended up in 13th and 15th positions, respectively, which left the team feeling somewhat disappointed yet optimistic about their upgrades. Tom McCullough, Aston Martin’s performance director, commented that while they didn’t achieve the desired results, the upgrades generally performed as expected. He emphasized the competitive nature of Formula 1, where multiple teams introduced updates simultaneously, making it crucial for Aston Martin to continue evolving their car to stay competitive.

McCullough pointed out that despite the challenges, they remain committed to enhancing the performance of the AMR24 and keeping pace with rival teams. He stated that development is an ongoing process, with no team remaining static in this highly competitive environment. The aim is to consistently improve their car, ensuring they can surpass the teams ahead.

Overall, this weekend represents a crucial juncture for Alonso, especially as he strives to recover quickly from his illness and make a strong return to the track. The historical significance of reaching 400 Grand Prix entries adds an extra layer of motivation for the Spanish driver, as he looks to overcome recent setbacks and contribute positively to Aston Martin’s performance.

The Mexican Grand Prix also serves as a reminder of the intense competition in Formula 1, with teams continuously pushing to innovate and improve their vehicles. As Alonso gears up for this landmark race, both he and Drugovich are poised to make the most of their respective roles, facing the challenges of the circuit while aiming for a stronger showing than in previous outings. This event is not only pivotal for Alonso’s illustrious career but also for Aston Martin’s ongoing quest for performance and success in the fiercely competitive realm of Formula 1 racing.