Alonso left with "a lot of work" after Alpine water system failure

Fernando Alonso believes there is "a lot of work to do" for Alpine after a suspected water system failure and a spin limited his running in Friday practice for the United States Grand Prix.

The two-time champion's return to US soil for the first time since the 2020 Indianapolis 500 got off the worst start possible when he ground to a halt on his opening exploratory lap with fluid pouring from underneath the A521.

With the car being recovered by the track workers and returned to the pits, frantic repair work by the Alpine mechanics allowed Alonso to at least get some track time underneath his belt and eventually finishing just a tenth adrift of team-mate Esteban Ocon.

Explaining the issue at the beginning of first practice, Alonso said: "I think it was something on the water system.

"So we had to stop because the engine was running without water at that point.

"They [Alpine mechanics] did a good job to fix it and I still did some laps in FP1. But we were still not happy with the balance on any of the tyres so still some work."

Alonso was unable to negotiate FP2 without drama as a spin at turn 19 left him with damage to his rear wing, consigning him to the garage for repairs once again.

"It was not easy, not a super smooth Friday for us," added Alonso.

"An issue in FP1 and a spin in FP2 so some work to do. The performance is not unlocked yet on our car, we were struggling with the balance. Let's see, a lot of work to do."

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