Aston Martin’s seasoned driver Fernando Alonso, who was poised to reach a significant milestone with his 400th Formula One Grand Prix weekend, called in sick yesterday. The 43-year-old Spaniard was scheduled to attend a press conference at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City, but health concerns led him to skip his media commitments. The team reassured fans that Alonso’s focus remains on recovering in time for Friday’s free practice session. Although reserve driver Felipe Drugovich will take Alonso’s place in the first practice, Alonso is expected to be back in the car for the second session.
Alonso’s remarkable career has spanned over two decades, and while Sunday’s race will mark his 400th weekend, he has officially started 396 races. The discrepancy arises from a few notable absences, including being unable to restart at the 2001 Belgium Grand Prix with Minardi, missing the controversial six-car US Grand Prix in 2005 with Renault, and being forced out of the 2017 Russian Grand Prix due to a McLaren engine failure before the race even began. Despite these missed opportunities, Alonso remains one of the most enduring figures in the sport, having debuted with Minardi in 2001 and secured his two world championships with Renault in 2005 and 2006.
The Spanish driver, who has clinched 32 race victories, last stood on the top step of the podium in Spain in 2013 while driving for Ferrari. Reflecting on his lengthy career, Alonso remarked, “Championships and race wins are what matter most to us as drivers, but it also shows my deep passion for the sport and the discipline I’ve maintained to perform at this level for over 20 years.” He humorously added that while he’s unlikely to reach another 400 races, he hopes to compete in at least 40 or 50 more before his eventual retirement.
Alonso’s career is noteworthy not only for his Formula One achievements but also for his success in other motorsports. He has twice won the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans with Toyota and became a world endurance champion. In 2017, he led the Indianapolis 500 for 27 laps before being forced to retire due to engine failure. He also finished 13th in the 2020 Dakar Rally, demonstrating his versatility as a driver. His enduring passion for racing, across various disciplines, has solidified his place as one of the most respected figures in motorsport.
Commenting on his longevity in Formula One, Alonso highlighted how the modern era has become more physically accommodating for drivers. “I think modern F1 is easier on the body compared to past eras, which allows us to compete for longer,” he said. “Although it’s still a huge physical challenge, advancements in technology have made the cars more driver-friendly. From seat comfort to safety equipment, everything has evolved for the better.” As he approaches this historic milestone, Alonso continues to be a symbol of resilience and adaptability in the ever-changing landscape of Formula One.