The 24-race calendar has taken its toll on some Formula 1 drivers recently, with it being the longest they have ever experienced.
Nico Hulkenberg missed media day during the Qatar Grand Prix, while earlier in the season Carlos Sainz contracted appendicitis which led to the debut of Oliver Bearman.
Bearman would get another go later in the season at Brazil, when Kevin Magnussen pulled out of the Sao Paulo GP weekend due to illness. It fulfils the prophecy by Max Verstappen earlier in the season, who predicted that drivers would get more ill due to the long calendar.
Now it appears another driver might also have to miss the crucial post-season test in Abu Dhabi due to an ongoing illness that has left him below his peak performance according to a report by UOL.
Fernando Alonso could be forced to miss Abu Dhabi post-season test due to illness
According to the report, Fernando Alonso is nursing a series of physical problems due to an intestinal infection he contracted in Mexico which is not yet 100% resolved.
The Aston Martin driver who has scored 68 points this season could be forced to hand over duties to their test and reserve driver Felipe Drugovich, who will be on standby if needed during the weekend.
Alonso felt it was better to rest and recover when asked about whether he will be taking part in the test in the days after the season finale.
“I’m tired,” said Alonso. “I have to take care of myself. The worst part is over, I got out of the hole, let’s say, but I still need to take care of myself to get back well.”
Fernando Alonso highlights reality of Aston Martin’s difficult season
Alonso has admitted that the 2024 season has not been what Aston Martin expected, with the 43-year-old claiming that they will learn a lot of lessons for the future.
The Spaniard is likely hoping that Aston Martin improves the bouncing, having struggled with their car setup for most of the year.
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A good barometer for their recent pace compared to 2023 was in Sao Paulo, when Alonso managed a podium in P3 but could only finish P14 this year.
Aston Martin look set to cap off 2024 in no mans land fifth in the Constructors’ Championship, too far away from Mercedes but ahead of Alpine and Haas who are battling over sixth.
