Fernando Alonso, the double World Champion and esteemed F1 driver, has recently shared that he had to contend with a fresh injury during his latest race: a suspected pinched nerve in his neck. This revelation comes after Alonso experienced an unfortunate retirement from the recent Chinese Grand Prix, the only such retirement in that race.
The event saw Alonso, driving his Aston Martin, forced to withdraw due to a brake fire. His teammate, Lance Stroll, on the other hand, managed to secure ninth place, racing into the points. The brake fire incident, occurring early in the Grand Prix, led to Alonso making his way back to the pits amid billows of smoke, marking his retirement from the race. This incident marked his second DNF of the F1 2025 season, a disappointing turn of events for the double World Champion who has yet to make a significant impact on this year’s Drivers’ standings.
In a candid conversation with Spanish media, Alonso revealed that his health was less than optimal during the race. His neck was taped, indicating an injury. Despite wearing neck protection due to what he suspects is a pinched nerve, he admitted that it didn’t provide much assistance, primarily because his time on the track was cut short due to the brake issue.
Expanding on the technical issue that led to his retirement, Alonso explained that the rear brakes of his vehicle were excessively hot from the get-go. On the last lap before his withdrawal, the brake pedal failed, offering no braking power. He was fortunate to have been at a long corner where he could slow down gradually, relying on gears and engine braking. He expressed his relief at avoiding a potential accident, which could have occurred if the brake failure had taken place at the Turn 14 braking zone, potentially causing a major collision.
Alonso is now focused on understanding the issue and preparing for the triple-header. His goal is to see the chequered flag for the first time this year, pivoting his fortunes at the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix.
This isn’t the first time Alonso has had to race while nursing an injury. In 2016, he suffered broken ribs and a lung injury in a crash at the Australian Grand Prix, only to get back behind the wheel less than a month later. Similarly, in 2021, he underwent surgery for a fractured jaw from a cycling mishap, only to participate in pre-season testing a month post-surgery. Last year, he faced a shoulder issue, exacerbated by the bumpy new surface in Brazil, which he combated by taking painkillers and getting back on the track.
