News Now:Fernando Alonso reveals F1 ‘setback’ after gruelling Brazilian Grand Prix..

The Brazilian Grand Prix in São Paulo, one of the most iconic events in the Formula 1 calendar, often produces some of the most dramatic races of the season. This year’s race, held on November 5, 2024, was no exception, with multiple twists, strategic battles, and some highly unexpected outcomes. For Fernando Alonso, one of the most seasoned drivers in Formula 1 history, the race represented a significant setback in his 2024 campaign, despite his strong performance earlier in the season.

In a candid post-race interview, Alonso, who drives for Aston Martin, spoke about the physical and psychological toll the race took on him and his team. He acknowledged the difficulties the team faced, as well as the personal frustration he felt after a race that left him and his mechanics reflecting on missed opportunities.

The Tough Race in Brazil

Alonso’s performance at the Brazilian Grand Prix had all the ingredients of a highly challenging outing. Starting from a mid-grid position, Alonso found himself caught in a competitive midfield battle for much of the race. As the laps unfolded, it was clear that the conditions were only going to get more demanding. Brazil’s Interlagos circuit, known for its ever-changing weather and unpredictable incidents, played its usual role in creating a chaotic spectacle.

“Brazil is always one of the toughest races of the year,” said Alonso. “The heat, the humidity, and the nature of the track make it very demanding physically. But this weekend, we also had to deal with tire degradation and a few issues that were not in our control. I know I’ve been in this sport for over two decades, but sometimes, it feels like this sport can still throw curveballs at you.”

Alonso’s frustration became evident after the race when he discussed the lack of consistency in his car’s performance during the weekend. Aston Martin had arrived in Brazil hoping to build on the momentum from recent podium finishes, but it was clear that a combination of bad luck and missed strategic decisions prevented them from capitalizing on their potential.

“We had some great race pace early in the weekend. But we couldn’t convert it into a strong finish. That’s a big disappointment for me. As a team, we knew we had a chance to fight for a top-5 finish today, but mistakes were made in terms of strategy and setup, and it just didn’t come together in the end,” Alonso explained.

Strategy and Pit Stops: Where Things Went Wrong

One of the biggest talking points from the Brazilian Grand Prix was the role of strategy and pit stops in shaping the race. As teams juggled the high temperatures and variable track conditions, many drivers faced tire wear issues. Alonso’s race was no different, with a series of pit stop decisions that he later described as pivotal in determining his final position.

“I think we were a bit unlucky with the timing of the safety car and the pit stops,” said Alonso. “We had a plan in place, but the team made a couple of calls that didn’t quite work out in the heat of the moment. The race was so fluid, and we were constantly reacting to what was happening ahead of us. When you’re in a midfield battle like we were, you can’t afford to take any chances, but sometimes you don’t have much choice.”

A combination of slower pit stops and an ill-timed decision to stay out on a set of worn tires cost Alonso several positions in the latter stages of the race. As competitors around him performed well-timed pit stops and adapted to changing track conditions, Alonso’s Aston Martin found itself struggling to maintain pace, dropping down the order in the final laps.

“Every time I thought we had a chance to recover, something went wrong. Whether it was getting stuck behind slower cars or the tire wear kicking in, it felt like one step forward and two steps back. It’s a tough feeling to know that the potential was there, but you just can’t capitalize on it,” Alonso added.

Physical and Mental Fatigue

In addition to the technical and strategic challenges, Alonso also opened up about the physical toll the Brazilian Grand Prix took on him. After spending over an hour and a half navigating the unforgiving Interlagos circuit, Alonso admitted that he was feeling the full effects of the demanding nature of the race. The combination of high temperatures, intense humidity, and the constant G-forces placed a huge strain on both body and mind.

“We always talk about the physical demands of Formula 1, but races like this make it so much more real,” said Alonso. “It’s not just the car that has to be perfect; the driver needs to be at 100 percent for the entire race, and that’s what makes races like Brazil so challenging. It’s exhausting. It’s a fight, and I’ve been through it so many times, but it never gets easier.”