Fernando Alonso displayed sheer determination as he conquered back pain and mysterious brake problems to complete the Brazilian Grand Prix. Despite battling discomfort and a far from ideal car, the seasoned driver made it to the finish line at Interlagos.
The Challenge of Interlagos
The circuit’s new bumpy surface proved taxing for Alonso, with the impacts reverberating painfully through his spine. However, his resolve never wavered even when back pain threatened to derail his race. The Aston Martin star managed to carry on, a feat further complicated by brake issues that were relentlessly trying to send him off track.
A Promise to the Team
In a poignant moment during the race, Alonso radioed his team to explain his decision to continue. He declared, “I will finish the race for the mechanics. They did a very good job today. But my back is hurting, man. This bouncing is not normal.” Post-race, a mechanic warmly consoled Alonso as he carefully exited his car, highlighting the physical toll the event had taken on him. Yet, his commitment to the team ensured he fought till the end.
Unexpected Setbacks
The back pain was one of several challenges Alonso faced heading into the Brazilian GP. Preoccupied with an intestinal infection after the Mexican Grand Prix, he had only just returned to Brazil after receiving treatment in Europe. The physical preparation proved rigorous, involving numerous medical checks, physiotherapy sessions, and personal effort to ensure he was race-ready.
Alonso remarked, “It was painful, for sure. The lead-up to this race involved a lot of effort from my side as well as from the mechanics. It was not comfortable in the car. But there are people facing worse situations.”
Brake Concerns at Aston Martin
The Spaniard’s ordeal wasn’t limited to physical discomfort. His Aston Martin was plagued by brake malfunctions, creating a significant challenge to remain on track, particularly after restarts. Describing the experience, Alonso noted, “All the brake balance goes completely rearwards; it’s like braking with a hand brake. It was a nightmare out there.” Similar brake malfunctions affected his teammate, Lance Stroll, leading to a spin-off during the formation lap.
Looking Ahead
This incident appears to be linked to a team-specific brake setup for wet restarts intended to warm rear tyres by shifting the balance backward. Unfortunately, this setup did not reset, posing challenges for both drivers. Stroll expressed confusion about the brake issue saying, “As soon as I touched the brakes, I had a huge rear lock.” This echoes Alonso’s experience and points to an area the team needs to address swiftly.
With just a few races left in the season, Alonso’s resilience in Brazil is a testament to his unswerving commitment to the sport. Ready or not, Aston Martin must quickly resolve these brake issues to ensure their drivers aren’t hampered by mechanical failures in upcoming events.
