Aston Martin issue statement over Fernando Alonso retirement

Aston Martin have issued a statement explaining Fernando Alonso's retirement at the Italian Grand Prix.

The two-time F1 champion was forced out of action at Monza owing to a suspension failure he suffered on lap 24 of 53.

It has since emerged that the Spaniard was doomed from the start after he went over some gravel that was flicked onto the track on the opening lap.

"The team can confirm some gravel hit Fernando's car in the first lap of the race in multiple areas, including his suspension, which compromised it," Aston Martin said.

"The team were unaware of the damage sustained. Low-level, continuous loading caused the eventual failure of the part."

Alonso bemoans F1 luck

Alonso looked on course for a points finish in Monza prior to the retirement, something he has experienced before this season.

“[It was] very frustrating, because we were into seventh place I think,” Alonso said after the race. “To secure seventh place [would have meant] another six points for the championship and we lost again.

“I remember [in] Monaco retiring the car with an engine problem being P6, today suspension problem being P7, so the luck definitely is not with us this year and we are losing a lot of points.

“But a well executed race, we overtook [Kimi] Antonelli at the start, we overtook Bortoleto at the pit stop and everything was looking good.”

“It is frustrating," he added. "But I’m getting used to [it] unfortunately.”

There will be of course some optimism at Aston Martin that this was a freak incident and not an underlying issue with the car.

Alonso and the team will therefore be eager to put this behind them and secure a strong points finish in Baku at the Azerbaijan GP this weekend.

F1 HEADLINES: Double driver replacement confirmed as legend to miss Azerbaijan Grand Prix

F1 HEADLINES: Verstappen open to Ferrari move as F1 team axe driver for 2026

READ MORE: Toto Wolff labels George Russell an 'a**hole' in Mercedes contract saga

READ MORE: Sacked F1 boss REJECTS return offers as new venture confirmed

READ MORE: Max Verstappen absence confirmed for next race

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Aston Martin chief confirms Adrian Newey decision after Barcelona misery

• Yesterday 07:45

F1 team boss spotted at Aston Martin hospitality as Fernando Alonso rumours swirl

• June 15, 2026 21:14

How Lewis Hamilton’s F1 nemesis handed him race win

• June 15, 2026 12:55

Fernando Alonso's 'last dance' - new F1 team emerges to sign veteran

• June 15, 2026 11:56

F1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton beats Antonelli as Kim Kardashian sends special gift

• June 14, 2026 07:15

'I don't give a s***' - Lance Stroll goes nuclear at Barcelona Grand Prix

• June 13, 2026 18:54