Alonso says he is heading to Brazil after Mexico F1 qualifying failure as FIA reprimand adds to frustration

Alonso with problems in the Aston Martin car in Mexico (Video: F1TV)

News Summary

Fernando Alonso has indicated that he may not take part in Sunday’s (1 November) Mexico City Grand Prix after another technical failure ended his qualifying session prematurely. The Aston Martin driver, who was eliminated in 18th place, expressed his frustration with the team’s recurring power unit and overheating problems and suggested that his next destination would be Brazil rather than the Mexican Grand Prix starting grid.

“I’m heading straight to Brazil,” Alonso reportedly said after qualifying, according to Spanish-language coverage of his comments. However, Aston Martin has not formally confirmed that the two-time world champion has withdrawn from Sunday’s race.

Alonso blames Aston Martin power unit after Q1 stoppage

Alonso’s qualifying session ended with 11 minutes and seven seconds remaining in Q1 when Aston Martin instructed him to stop immediately.

The Spaniard was approaching the pit entry and questioned the decision, insisting that he had not suffered any damage.

“I don’t have any damage, why should I stop?!” he asked over the radio.

Despite being close to the garage, Alonso eventually stopped at Turn 14, triggering a red flag.

The incident interrupted the opening qualifying segment and left Alonso visibly frustrated.

Aston Martin subsequently identified a loss of water pressure associated with the ERS, while Alonso attributed the failure to the engine when speaking to reporters.

The Spaniard also complained about the car’s sensitivity to temperatures, explaining that following other cars in Mexico’s high-altitude conditions made the situation particularly difficult.

He acknowledged that the team might need to replace power unit components, potentially creating additional complications for Sunday’s race.

Alonso investigated after leaving steering wheel unsecured

The technical failure was followed by an investigation into Alonso’s conduct when abandoning the car.

After stopping at Turn 14, the Aston Martin driver climbed out without properly refitting the steering wheel, prompting the FIA to investigate a potential breach of safety requirements.

A reprimand was subsequently reported in connection with the incident, although the corresponding official stewards’ decision had not been independently verified at the time of this report.

The disciplinary issue added to an already frustrating afternoon for Alonso, who had shown enough pace to challenge for a stronger qualifying position before the failure.

The Spaniard finished 18th after other drivers improved their times when Q1 resumed.

Alonso had also experienced difficulties earlier in the weekend, finishing 14th in FP3, 1.250s behind Lando Norris.

The technical setback follows a season marked by reliability concerns for Aston Martin and its Honda power unit.

Aston Martin yet to confirm Alonso’s participation in Mexican GP

Alonso’s remarks suggest that his priority may now be preparing for the São Paulo Grand Prix on November 8.

However, his participation in Sunday’s race remains officially unresolved.

The team must assess the damage and determine whether the necessary repairs or component changes can be completed before the start.

Depending on the work required, Aston Martin could face additional sporting consequences, including a possible pit-lane start.

The Mexican Grand Prix is scheduled for Sunday at 14:00 local time, corresponding to 20:00 GMT in the United Kingdom.

GRANDE PRÊMIO is following every session of the Mexican Grand Prix this weekend, with breaking news, full coverage and real-time updates in its Formula 1 section.