Fernando Alonso’s Italian Grand Prix came to an early end on Sunday after the Aston Martin driver sustained damage when he ran over the kerbs at Monza. The two-time world champion retired on lap 23, with the team opting to stop the car rather than risk making the problem worse.
Alonso had started the race from the back of the field after Aston Martin changed power-unit components under parc fermé conditions, forcing him to begin from the pit lane. The Spaniard had hoped to build on his ninth-place finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, his best result of the 2026 season, but Monza proved considerably more difficult.
Formula 1 reported that Alonso ran wide over the kerbs at Turn 7 and picked up damage that ultimately forced his retirement.
“We had some damage to the car when I hit the kerb. We decided to stop to make sure there was no more damage,” Alonso said after the race.
“Until that point, I was fighting with Cadillac and trying to get the maximum out of the car. Now we are looking to Spain next week, at a new circuit for all of us.”
Aston Martin had already endured a difficult weekend at Monza. Alonso and Lance Stroll had locked out the back row in qualifying, with Alonso classified 21st after an issue curtailed his Q1 running.
The race brought further disappointment for the team. Stroll retired on lap 28 with a hydraulic problem, meaning Aston Martin left Monza without either car seeing the chequered flag.
Alonso’s retirement came shortly after the race’s early strategic disruption caused by Charles Leclerc’s heavy crash. The Ferrari driver’s incident brought out the red flag, while the subsequent restart reshaped the race at the front.
Kimi Antonelli eventually won from 19th on the grid, beating Mercedes teammate George Russell, with Max Verstappen completing the podium. The Italian’s victory also made him the first Italian driver to win his home Grand Prix since Ludovico Scarfiotti in 1966.
Read more about Antonelli’s historic comeback victory at Monza and how the result affected the 2026 championship standings.
Alonso will now turn his attention to the Spanish Grand Prix, which takes place from September 11-13 at Madrid’s new street circuit. The event will mark Formula 1’s first visit to the new venue, giving teams and drivers their first race weekend on the circuit.
GRANDE PRÊMIO will continue to cover all the action from the 14th round of the 2026 Formula 1 season in Madrid.
FAQ
Why did Fernando Alonso retire from the Italian Grand Prix?
Alonso retired on lap 23 after running over the kerbs at Monza and sustaining damage to his Aston Martin. The team decided to stop the car to prevent further damage.
Where did Fernando Alonso start the 2026 Italian GP?
Alonso was originally classified 21st in qualifying, but a power-unit change under parc fermé conditions meant he started the Italian Grand Prix from the pit lane.
Did both Aston Martin drivers retire at Monza?
Yes. Alonso retired on lap 23 because of damage, while teammate Lance Stroll retired on lap 28 with a hydraulic issue.
