Alonso pulls out of Bahrain GP with China also in doubt - McLaren reserve Stoffel Vandoorne sits in
Published by Christine
Fernando Alonso has had to withdraw from this weekend’s race in Bahrain, following the injuries he sustained in the Australian Grand Prix two weeks ago. Although he’s recovering well from what turned out to be a collapsed lung and fractured ribs, doctors have advised the Spaniard not to risk any further injury by racing – particularly due to the unique way drivers sit in an F1 cockpit.
Alonso is adamant he will recover, and soon, but can’t guarantee it will be before the Chinese Grand Prix either, so further x-rays and tests will be done nearer the time to decide. In the meantime, McLaren’s reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne has flown into Bahrain earlier than scheduled and will make his F1 debut for the team.
Alonso concluded: “The team did a fantastic job preparing the car so I wanted to try and race until the last moment. Now I stay here all weekend to help Stoffel because it’s a good opportunity for him, and to help the team because I love what I do, I love F1 and racing.”
