Midway through the Monaco Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso found himself facing an unexpected challenge as his Aston Martin faltered, forcing him to withdraw from the race.
Alonso, who had been maintaining a solid sixth place, experienced a sudden failure that culminated in his withdrawal at La Rascasse on Lap 37. This issue, however, was not entirely unforeseen. According to Aston Martin’s team boss, Andy Cowell, the engine problem crept in several laps earlier, significantly undermining the car’s performance by disabling the Energy Recovery System (ERS). Without this system, Alonso was deprived of a crucial 160 horsepower, which, theoretically, he would have missed in full ERS deployment.
The Monte Carlo circuit, known for its difficult overtaking conditions, provided Alonso with a temporary reprieve. Despite the power shortfall, he managed to hold his position for a while, recalling how Daniel Ricciardo had won the 2018 Monaco GP under similar circumstances. Yet, as the laps progressed, the deterioration became evident. His lap times slowed down dramatically, from a best of 1:15.5 on Lap 15 to circulating in the 1:16s and 1:17s.
Despite the setback, Alonso remained pragmatic. ‘I had a problem with the engine since Lap 15,’ he explained, highlighting the loss of the ERS, comparable to Ricciardo’s 2017 ordeal. ‘I think I was dreaming of keeping P6 at the end, maybe, but it was not possible. The race was good in my case, and qualifying was very good yesterday, so we lost an opportunity today.’
Nevertheless, the incident is just another footnote in what has been a trying season for the seasoned driver. Having yet to score points in eight races, Alonso reflected on the misfortune that seems to follow him, citing this race as another instance where challenges emerged from within rather than external factors. ‘Today is not bad luck,’ he stated firmly. ‘Our engine was not well prepared for the race, and we could not finish.’
While this race adds to his string of retirements, Alonso remains optimistic about the future under potential new regulations. ‘For me, it doesn’t change really, to finish P8 in Barcelona or Canada, you know, to score eight points this year, or 22, it doesn’t change much. While next year, with the change of regulation, we really hope to be a contender for the championship. So I’m happy to accumulate all the DNFs this year.’ His focus is now firmly on the long game, hoping to turn the season’s misfortunes into future triumphs.
Alonso’s Monaco GP exit underscores the unpredictable nature of motorsport and the resilience required to face such challenges. With hopes pinned on future regulations and a more competitive season, his journey is a testament to perseverance in the face of adversity.
