F1 champion involved in SCARY incident with animal at Abu Dhabi

F1 champion involved in SCARY incident with animal at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix……read more

During the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, a frightening encounter with a wild animal occurred during the third practice session (FP3), involving Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso. This incident highlighted that, despite the sport’s cutting-edge technology and modern track designs, nature can still cause disruptions during race weekends.

F1 has witnessed some strange wildlife interruptions in the past, and this was no exception. For example, at the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen recalled how local groundhogs nearly cost him the victory. These furry creatures are known to make occasional appearances at the circuit, much to the amusement of fans but to the surprise of drivers. Similarly, at the Singapore Grand Prix earlier in the year, FP3 had to be red-flagged due to a lizard (believed to be related to the infamous “Larry the Lizard”) strolling across the track, forcing officials to halt the session. These moments remind everyone that, no matter how technologically advanced the sport gets, nature still has a presence on the race track.

This time, it was a bird that took center stage. Fernando Alonso, who drives for Aston Martin, was in the midst of completing a flying lap during FP3 at Yas Marina Circuit, when a large bird unexpectedly swooped down onto the track. The bird’s presence created a potentially dangerous scenario as it came dangerously close to Alonso’s car. The 43-year-old veteran driver, known for his exceptional reflexes, was able to swerve his Aston Martin at the last moment to avoid a collision with the bird. Fortunately, both Alonso and the bird emerged unscathed from the scare. However, it was undoubtedly a heart-stopping moment for the two parties involved, as the bird’s sudden appearance left little time for the driver to react.

This incident occurred at a time when Alonso was already feeling the pressure. The 2024 season had been a challenging one for the Silverstone-based Aston Martin team, with the car’s performance failing to meet expectations. Alonso, clearly frustrated with the state of his car, was outspoken about his dissatisfaction. On Friday before the race weekend, he even went as far as calling his car the “worst ever,” venting his anger over the lack of pace that had been plaguing the team all season. His disappointment was compounded by the fact that Aston Martin, once considered a potential contender for podiums, had been struggling to keep up with the top four teams in the championship standings.

In FP3, Alonso’s position was a stark reflection of his frustration, as he ended the session in 15th place, far behind his teammate Lance Stroll, who finished in 18th. This result, combined with Alonso’s outburst, painted a grim picture of the team’s prospects for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Aston Martin, which had made impressive strides in recent years, was now facing a tough season finale, likely to finish fifth in the Constructors’ Championship. This was a far cry from the results they had hoped for after making significant progress in previous seasons.

Despite the setbacks in 2024, there is still hope on the horizon for Aston Martin. The team is set to receive a major boost in 2025 with the arrival of renowned designer Adrian Newey, whose expertise is expected to be a game-changer for the team. Newey, known for his work with Red Bull Racing and his innovative approach to car design, could help turn Aston Martin’s fortunes around. His arrival is eagerly awaited, with the team hoping that his influence will propel them back into the battle for the top positions in the Constructors’ Championship.

As for Alonso, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix incident with the bird added to an already difficult season, but it also served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of motorsport. Despite the best efforts of engineers and technology, there are still moments when drivers must rely on their instincts to navigate the unexpected. For Alonso, avoiding the bird on track was yet another demonstration of his skill and quick thinking, even in the face of a potentially dangerous situation.

The 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, therefore, ended up being a combination of frustration for Alonso and Aston Martin, with both the performance of the car and the unexpected wildlife interruption adding to the drama. Yet, the prospect of a revitalized team in 2025, armed with the talents of Adrian Newey, offers hope for better results in the future.