Formula 1 veteran Fernando Alonso is in a race against time, but this time it’s off the track. The Aston Martin driver will miss Thursday’s pre-race events at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix as he undergoes treatment for an intestinal infection, an illness that left him struggling during last weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix.
Alonso’s absence was felt last week when he missed his media appearances due to feeling unwell, although he managed to return to the cockpit in Free Practice 2. However, the illness may have contributed to an unfortunate early retirement from the Mexican GP, as Alonso’s car was sidelined due to a brake issue. Now, he’s facing a tight turnaround to be fit for Brazil.
In a statement from Aston Martin, the team confirmed the Spaniard’s diagnosis and noted that he has been receiving treatment back in Europe to ensure he’s race-ready. “Fernando had suffered with an intestinal infection in the lead-up to the Mexico City Grand Prix,” the statement read. “He returned to Europe to receive further treatment from a specialist. The extra day of treatment has delayed his travel plans to Brazil but ensures he will be ready for this weekend’s racing.”
Yet, should Alonso face any setbacks in his recovery, Aston Martin has an ace up its sleeve. Brazilian reserve driver Felipe Drugovich, who recently drove Alonso’s car in FP1 in Mexico, is on standby to take the wheel if needed. Drugovich, a rising star in motorsport and a familiar face at Interlagos, is prepared to step in if Alonso’s condition takes a turn.
As fans await the green light on Alonso’s participation, this development adds an extra layer of suspense to an already thrilling weekend at Interlagos. Will Aston Martin’s veteran make it to the starting line, or will Drugovich get his chance to shine in front of a home crowd? Stay tuned as the countdown to the Brazilian GP continues!
