Veteran speaks after team’s shock retirement reveal; how Tanzania flight helped prevent Aussie GP disaster – F1 Daily

Fernando Alonso holds out hope that he will have a “normal weekend” despite the shock revelation that Aston Martin will not complete the Australian Grand Prix.

New team boss Adrian Newey told reporters at Albert Park that it will be the case because of the risk of permanent nerve damage to its drivers from extreme vibrations in the car.

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Newey said Alonso felt as if he could not manage more than 25 laps because of the issue.

But the 44-year-old, who is back where is F1 journey began a quarter of a century ago, attempted to downplay the concerns when it was his turn to front the media.

“No, not painful and not difficult to control the car,” the Spaniard said when asked if the vibrations were painful.

“The adrenaline is higher than any pain.

“If we were fighting for the win, we could do three hours in the car, let’s be clear.”

Alonso was also unwilling to accept defeat this week after Aston Martin’s tumultuous pre-season testing.

He is instead holing out hope that the works done on his car will make everything fine.

“In a way, deep inside, I have a feeling that the problems will be fixed by the time I jump in the car,” he said.

“I really hope that things will be better.

“After the last few weeks for us in Japan, I think it is important to test the car tomorrow and then maybe decide Friday night/Saturday night.

“Lets see how things go. As I said, I have a good feeling that things will be fine and we can have a normal weekend.”

Alonso added: “I think it maybe looks more difficult on the outside, which is understandable.

“High expectations for Aston and I agree with that.

“But I think we know what we are doing and we know the limitations with the car as well.”

HOW TANZANIA FLIGHT HELPED PREVENT DISASTER

The Australian Grand Prix will go ahead without major disruptions after the FIA organised chartered flights to bring around 500 staff to Melbourne this week.

Following the US-Israel attack on Iran, which caused widespread travel disruptions among the Middle East’s key travel hubs such as Dubai and Doha, the FIA booked multiple alternative charter flights to ensure key personnel would make it to the Victorian capital in time.

Sports travel agency Travel Places organised a British Airways plane via Singapore and a business-class only private jet that stopped over in Tanzania, which arrived on Australian soil on Wednesday, according to The Independent.

It ensured there wouldn’t be a repeat of the 2020 Australian Grand Prix, which was cancelled at the eleventh hour due to Covid-19 complications.

“It is a great testament to the sport how they are able to pull this off at such short notice, and to get us to the other end of the world,” a paddock insider told PA.

The governing body also decided it would not enforce standard curfews that keep personnel involved in running the cars out of the paddock, lifting restrictions on Wednesday and Thursday night as a result of “force majeure and specifically ongoing travel and freight disruptions.”

GASLY SPEAKS ON MIDDLE EAST RACES

Alpine driver Pierre Gasly declared that Formula 1 would make the “right decision” amid fears over major disruption to the 2026 schedule due to conflict in the Middle East.

F1 is due to race twice in the region next month when it visits Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, which have both been struck by Iranian missiles in recent days.

“Our next three races are in Australia, China and Japan and not in the Middle East – those races are not for a number of weeks,” an F1 spokesman said.

“As always, we closely monitor any situation like this and work closely with relevant authorities.”

How the F1 circus returns to the region to stage two races in a matter of weeks is of increasing concern to organisers, but Gasly trusts the governing body will make the “right decision”.

“I trust the people in charge. There’s so much at stake,” Gasly told Sky Sports News.

“I have some family living in the Middle East, and people close to me. It’s difficult to get my head around everything that’s going on when you know what’s happening at the moment.

“Hopefully things will get better, but, ultimately, F1 will make the right decision and what’s best for all of us.”

According to reports, a call about whether the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, on the 12th and 19th of April respectively, will go ahead will be made “in the next few weeks”.

In a statement, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem declared that “safety and wellbeing” would guide decisions on what to do about the Middle East races.

“As President of the FIA, my thoughts are with all those affected by the recent events in the Middle East. We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and stand with the families and communities impacted,” he said in a statement.

“At this moment of uncertainty, we hope for calm, safety, and a swift return to stability. Dialogue and the protection of civilians must remain priorities.

“We are in close contact with our member clubs, championship promoters, teams and colleagues on the ground as we monitor developments carefully and responsibly.

“Safety and wellbeing will guide our decisions as we assess the forthcoming events scheduled there for the FIA World Endurance Championship and the FIA Formula One World Championship. Our organisation is built on unity and shared purpose. That unity matters now more than ever.”

SUPERCARS TO REMAIN AT ALBERT PARK UNTIL 2029

Supercars will remain at Albert Park for another three years after a contract extension between Australian Grand Prix Corporation and Supercars until 2029.

“We are extremely proud to be extending our partnership with the Australian Grand Prix,” Supercar Chief Executive James Warburton said in a statement.

“This event is a special part of our Championship. It showcases the unique, combative style of Supercars racing to the world and the huge new fanbase being drawn by Formula 1. Our drivers and teams love it and we know their F1 counterparts feel the same way.

“We’re looking forward to showing off the magic of Supercars again this weekend.”

Supercars was first raced at Albert Park as part of the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in the event’s debut in 1996, with the event becoming a full championship round in 2018.

“Supercars are one of the most revered categories in the motorsport world, with drivers from all over the world eager to get behind the wheel as seen in recent years with F1 stars jumping at the opportunity when they come to Melbourne,” Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Travis Auld said in a statement.

“It’s incredibly exciting to have the Supercars Championship join us for another three years, we know they are a fan favourite and add a huge amount of uniquely Australian entertainment to the four days at Albert Park.”