For the second race weekend in a row, veteran driver Fernando Alonso will not participate in media day activities. Alonso was absent last Thursday at the Mexico City Grand Prix, and Aston Martin announced on Wednesday that Alonso will also miss media day activities ahead of this weekend’s São Paulo Grand Prix.
In a statement on social media the team outlined that Alonso fell ill with an intestinal infection before the Mexico City Grand Prix, and has been seen by a specialist ahead of this weekend’s race. That has delayed his travel to Brazil, but Alonso is expected to race this weekend:
Fernando will miss his media day activities in Brazil. Fernando had suffered with an intestinal infection in the lead up to the Mexico City Grand Prix.
He returned to Europe to receive further treatment from a specialist. The extra day of treatment has delayed his travel plans… pic.twitter.com/ulaPMX6uhn
— Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) October 30, 2024
Alonso’s illness came just as the sport was honoring the veteran driver’s latest accomplishment, his 400th Formula 1 race weekend. That came at last weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix, an incredible testament to his skill and longevity.
Unfortunately for Alonso and Aston Martin, he retired after just 15 laps. He and the rest of the team will hope for a clean bill of health, and better results, this weekend in São Paulo.