Alonso to miss media day in Sao Paulo after receiving medical treatment

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - OCTOBER 27: Fernando Alonso of Spain and Aston Martin F1 Team waves to theMEXICO CITY, MEXICO - OCTOBER 27: Fernando Alonso of Spain and Aston Martin F1 Team waves to the crowd on the drivers parade prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on October 27, 2024 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

Aston Martin have confirmed that Fernando Alonso will miss his media day activities ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, with his arrival delayed after receiving further medical treatment for an intestinal infection that he had suffered with prior to racing in Mexico.

Alonso was absent from Thursday’s media activities one week ago prior to the Mexico City Grand Prix, which the team announced at the time was due to him feeling unwell. He then returned to action on Friday in time for second practice, having already been due to sit out FP1 to allow Felipe Drugovich to take over.

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The Spaniard is now set to forgo media day in Brazil after returning to Europe for medical treatment but will again be back in time for the weekend’s racing, with a busy few days ahead as the Sprint makes its return at Interlagos.

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - OCTOBER 27: Fernando Alonso of Spain driving the (14) Aston Martin AMR24Alonso ensured a trying 400th Grand Prix in Mexico

“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,” Aston Martin said in a statement.

“He returned to Europe to receive further treatment from a specialist. The extra day of treatment has delayed his travel plans to Brazil but ensures he will be ready for this weekend's racing.”

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Alonso will be hoping to bounce back results-wise in Sao Paulo after retiring the car last time out in Mexico, meaning that he missed out on scoring points during his 400th Grand Prix weekend.