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Come Fan with UsWednesday, August 5, 2026

Ailing Fernando Alonso to miss media day at F1 São Paulo Grand Prix

Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso to miss media day at F1 São Paulo Grand Prix as he deals with an infection

F1 Grand Prix of Mexico
F1 Grand Prix of Mexico
Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
Mark Schofield
Mark Schofield is a former college quarterback and attorney covering the NFL and F1.

For the second race weekend in a row, veteran driver Fernando Alonso will not participate in media day activities. Alonso was absent last Thursday at the Mexico City Grand Prix, and Aston Martin announced on Wednesday that Alonso will also miss media day activities ahead of this weekend’s São Paulo Grand Prix.

In a statement on social media the team outlined that Alonso fell ill with an intestinal infection before the Mexico City Grand Prix, and has been seen by a specialist ahead of this weekend’s race. That has delayed his travel to Brazil, but Alonso is expected to race this weekend:

Alonso’s illness came just as the sport was honoring the veteran driver’s latest accomplishment, his 400th Formula 1 race weekend. That came at last weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix, an incredible testament to his skill and longevity.

Unfortunately for Alonso and Aston Martin, he retired after just 15 laps. He and the rest of the team will hope for a clean bill of health, and better results, this weekend in São Paulo.

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