Fernando Alonso spotted privately consoling one F1 driver after brutal Chinese Grand Prix

The 2025 Formula 1 season has not started in the way that Fernando Alonso would have envisioned.

Aston Martin have high hopes for the upcoming rule changes in 2026 with the likes of Adrian Newey and – eventually – Enrico Cardile onboard to take advantage of the changing status quo.

But that doesn’t mean that Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll simply want to watch this season unfold in front of them.

The signs in pre-season testing weren’t great, with Ted Kravitz suggesting Aston Martin might be the ninth-fastest team on the grid after three days in Bahrain.

However, Stroll secured an important P6 finish in Australia to allay some of those fears, before further adding to his tally in China after the disqualifications of both Ferrari drivers and Pierre Gasly.

However, for Alonso, it’s been a much tougher start after back-to-back retirements.

READ MORE: Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso’s life outside F1 from net worth to Cars 2

Fernando Alonso privately consoled Gabriel Bortoleto after the Chinese Grand Prix

Alonso crashed out during the Australian Grand Prix after the slightest error in the torrential rain, and was eventually joined in the paddock by Sauber driver Gabriel Bortoleto.

Bortoleto had a good weekend up until the mistake that saw him hit the barriers, outqualifying new teammate Nico Hulkenberg.

Sauber’s car was impossible to drive in China, and neither racer came close to securing a top 10 finish as a result.

A report from Motorsport has revealed that Alonso was spotted ‘deep in commiserating conversation’ with Bortoleto after the race in the Shanghai paddock.

The pair currently sit 19th and 20th in the drivers’ championship after two race weekends.

Alonso has been impressed with Bortoleto already this season, but points are going to be very hard to come by for the Brazilian.

However, Audi are already keen on retaining Bortoleto based on what they’ve already seen this season.

READ MORE: Who is 2025 Sauber driver Gabriel Bortoleto? Everything you need to know

Fernando Alonso looking forward to first fight with Gabriel Bortoleto in Formula 1

At the beginning of the year, Alonso probably wouldn’t have expected to be racing against his protégé.

However, both Aston Martin and Audi will have high hopes for next year when they’ll be expecting to regularly score points if not challenging for podium finishes and race wins.

Bortoleto was asked about Alonso and said: “He’s been very good. He’s been able to teach me a lot of these things – how to maximise my performance on track by managing my efforts outside of it.

“Things like how to handle the [early Grand Prix weekend] days here, Thursdays and Fridays, to be focused on what really matters during the weekend. It’s been very nice so far.

“In Australia, we didn’t really get to fight each other properly, but hopefully, in China, we can have some side-by-side battles. That would be nice for me.

CHAOS!! The @astonmartin Safety Car is deployed once again 🟡

Lawson makes contact with the wall and Bortoleto is off the road#F1 #AusGP pic.twitter.com/cGjFwFPjsS

— Formula 1 (@F1) March 16, 2025

“I’ve watched him my whole life racing, and now racing against him in Formula 1, with him also being my manager, it’s going to be very nice. A good opportunity.”

The Brazilian has been getting advice wherever he can, with Max Verstappen helping Bortoleto out before one of his first F1 races.

McLaren’s mechanics were impressed with Bortoleto in Australia, having watched him develop as part of their junior team before being signed by Sauber last year.