JUSTIN : FIA Clears Alonso’s Aston Martin After Italian Grand Prix INSPECTION… Read more

FIA Clears Alonso’s Aston Martin After Italian Grand Prix Inspection
The FIA has confirmed that Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin passed a random inspection at the Italian Grand Prix, with both fuel and engine oil samples found to be fully compliant with Formula 1 regulations.
Following Free Practice 2 at Monza, Alonso’s car — the AMR25 — was selected for routine checks as part of the FIA’s ongoing scrutineering process. The governing body announced that samples of fuel and engine oil were extracted and examined in line with technical requirements. Officials inspected the density and viscosity of the substances and compared them to previously approved reference samples.
In a formal statement issued by FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer, it was confirmed that the materials in car number 14 were consistent with the permitted specifications. The outcome clears Aston Martin of any wrongdoing, with the team free to continue its Italian Grand Prix campaign without penalty.
The inspection capped off what had otherwise been a frustrating day for Aston Martin. Despite recent improvements in form, both Alonso and team-mate Lance Stroll struggled for pace on Friday, finishing well down the timesheets. That performance came as a surprise given that Aston Martin had been the third-highest scoring team across the two race weekends prior to Monza, fueling hopes that the squad had turned a corner.
For Alonso, Monza has long been a venue tied to significant moments in his career. The two-time world champion delivered one of Ferrari’s most memorable home wins here in 2010, delighting the Tifosi at the team’s spiritual home. He also triumphed at the circuit in 2007 while driving for McLaren, though his most recent podium at the “Temple of Speed” dates back to 2013. Since then, the Spaniard has endured a decade-long podium drought at the venue.
Despite his age — Alonso turned 44 earlier this year — he remains fiercely competitive. After a sluggish start to the 2025 season, where he failed to score points in the first eight rounds, he has since regained form. Over the last seven race weekends, he has collected 30 championship points, contributing significantly to Aston Martin’s climb up the standings. That resurgence has rekindled optimism that the team could yet challenge for a podium finish at Monza this year.
The Italian Grand Prix marks the 16th round of the season, and Alonso’s ambitions extend beyond this weekend. Aston Martin are already looking ahead to the major regulation changes coming in 2026, aiming to position themselves as a title-contending force under the new framework. Alonso, with his wealth of experience, is central to those plans, bringing both leadership and a proven track record in adapting quickly to rule changes.
While the FIA’s inspection might have been routine, its importance cannot be understated. Technical breaches relating to fuel or oil can result in severe sanctions, including disqualification, as the governing body keeps a close eye on potential performance advantages. For Alonso and Aston Martin, a clean bill of health not only removes a potential distraction but also reinforces confidence in the team’s processes and compliance.
As the Monza weekend continues, the focus will return to on-track performance. For Alonso, who has tasted victory twice at this legendary circuit, the goal will be to roll back the years and fight for a long-awaited return to the podium — something both he and Aston Martin increasingly believe is within reach.