F1 champion’s Sets on FIRE at Imola Grand Prix due to...read more

Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin Bursts Into Flames During Pit Stop at Imola Grand Prix

Formula 1 fans were left stunned on Sunday during the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix after Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin caught fire moments after his first pit stop, marking one of the most dramatic moments of the race.

The two-time world champion, who has endured a difficult start to the 2025 F1 season, showed signs of resurgence at the historic Imola circuit. After a solid qualifying session that saw him start inside the top 10, Alonso looked poised to challenge for a strong finish. Early in the race, he was locked in a close battle with Mercedes’ George Russell for fourth place, showcasing renewed pace from the Aston Martin team.

However, the tide suddenly turned during Alonso’s first scheduled pit stop. As he rejoined the track on a fresh set of hard tyres, smoke began to pour from the front of the car, followed by visible flames flickering from the left front wheel. The fire, caused by overheated brakes, raised immediate alarms in the pit lane and among fans watching worldwide.

Despite the potentially dangerous situation, Alonso kept his composure. The flames quickly died down without requiring external intervention, likely helped by airflow cooling as he picked up speed out of the pit lane. Aston Martin engineers monitored the situation closely but allowed the Spaniard to continue, confirming that the car remained safe to drive.

Alonso, unshaken by the incident, pushed on with determination, aiming to recover lost time and claw his way back into the points. While the fire momentarily disrupted his momentum, it also highlighted his veteran experience and the resilience of both driver and machine under pressure.

Aston Martin later confirmed that the brake fire was likely triggered by heat buildup during the pit stop, a known risk in high-pressure racing environments, especially on circuits like Imola that demand heavy braking into tight corners.

The incident did not lead to Alonso’s retirement, and while it may have impacted his final result, it underscored his fighting spirit and the dramatic unpredictability that continues to define the 2025 Formula 1 season.

As the championship battle continues, Alonso and Aston Martin will now focus on maintaining their upward trajectory and addressing any reliability concerns as the paddock heads to the next round.