Alonso Decries “Unfair” Imola Outcome After Promising Start Ends in P11
Fernando Alonso’s hopes for a strong finish at the 2025 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix were dashed by a combination of unfortunate timing and strategic missteps, leaving the Aston Martin driver frustrated with an 11th-place result—just outside the points. After qualifying a season-best fifth, Alonso described the outcome as “extremely unlucky,” lamenting that the race unfolded in the one scenario where success eluded him.
The race began promisingly for Alonso, who maintained his position in the top five during the early laps. However, Aston Martin’s decision to pit him on Lap 12, before a Virtual Safety Car (VSC) was deployed due to Esteban Ocon’s retirement, proved detrimental. This timing forced Alonso to run on hard tires for an extended period, leaving him vulnerable to competitors who capitalized on the VSC for more advantageous pit stops.
Alonso’s misfortunes were compounded when a full Safety Car was deployed later in the race, allowing rivals to pit for fresh tires and gain a performance edge. Despite his efforts, Alonso was unable to reclaim lost positions and expressed his exasperation over team radio, declaring himself “the unluckiest driver in the world.”
Reflecting on the race, Alonso noted that in “100 scenarios,” 99 would have resulted in a strong points finish, emphasizing the singularity of the unfavorable outcome. He acknowledged the team’s progress with recent upgrades but stressed the need for better fortune in future races.
The Imola result marks another missed opportunity for Alonso and Aston Martin, as the team continues to seek its first points of the season. Despite evident improvements in qualifying performance, race-day challenges have hindered their ability to convert potential into tangible results.
As the Formula 1 season progresses, Alonso and Aston Martin remain focused on building upon their qualifying successes and translating them into consistent race finishes. The team aims to leverage its recent advancements and avoid the pitfalls that have plagued their early-season performances.