MEXICO CITY — Fernando Alonso is currently unwell and has decided to miss the scheduled activities on Thursday for the Mexican Grand Prix. The Aston Martin team announced that the veteran racer will take time to recuperate, aiming to be in optimal condition for his upcoming milestone of 400 career races. Alonso’s focus is to ensure he feels completely ready for Friday’s second practice session, although he had previously attended some sponsor events on Wednesday. The specifics of his illness remain undisclosed.
This Sunday marks a significant moment in Alonso’s career as he is set to achieve his 400th Formula 1 race, a record that he established some time ago by surpassing the previous record held by Kimi Räikkönen, who finished his career with 353 races. At 43 years of age, Alonso is presently ranked ninth in the driver standings amidst five races left in the season. His impressive F1 career boasts 32 victories and 106 podium finishes.
Reflecting on his incredible journey, Alonso shared insights on the “On the Grid” podcast hosted by Formula 1 earlier this week. He reminisced about his early days in F1, stating, “When I won the championship in 2006 and joined McLaren with a three-year contract, I truly believed that 2009 would be my final season here. That was the plan I laid out for myself.” Alonso expressed that he had already achieved his dreams and initially anticipated leading a normal life outside of racing, focusing on family and traditional routines. However, against all odds, he is still racing competitively, even after taking a break from F1 in 2019 and 2020, and he holds a long-term contract with Aston Martin.
Other drivers in the circuit are in awe of Alonso’s enduring presence in the sport. Esteban Ocon noted the remarkable nature of Alonso’s career, expressing admiration for his undying passion for racing. “Fernando lives and breathes racing. He’s always go-karting during his leisure time, showcasing how much he cherishes the sport,” imparted Ocon. He added that Alonso’s drive stems from his pure love for racing, emphasizing that he has already cemented his legacy with nothing left to prove.
Carlos Sainz Jr., another Spanish driver, shared how Alonso significantly influenced his decision to pursue a career in Formula 1 over rally racing, a path initially suggested by his father. “When I was a kid, Alonso was already in F1, and it’s surreal to think that he’s still competing now at my age,” Sainz remarked. He appreciates Alonso’s ongoing presence in F1, seeing it as a testament to his immense talent and determination, especially in a highly competitive field filled with younger aspirations.
Sainz also connected Alonso’s competitive spirit to that of his father, who continues to win at major racing events even in his sixties. “Having my dad, who is still actively competing, serves as a powerful example of what it means to maintain enthusiasm and motivation in racing,” Sainz noted. He acknowledged that both Alonso and his father are remarkably driven individuals who embody the essence of racing, highlighting their deep-rooted passion for the sport, which continues to define their lives.