Uncertainty Over Fernando Alonso F1 Return After Cycling Accident

F1 fans have had mixed feelings about Fernando Alonso returning to the grid in a season when he will turn 40 years old. However, the prospect of the super feisty former double world champion returning is universally intriguing. That prospect is now in jeopardy following a cycling accident in which the Spaniard was hit by a car near Lugano in Switzerland. 

Based on a statement from the Alpine F1 team (formerly Renault F1) and media reports, Alonso was quickly transported to the hospital where the first X-rays showed possible fractures. There are also reports of a possible broken jaw on account of which he will be taken to Bern, where there is a specialist unit for such injuries. 

More clarity on Alonso’s injuries and how this will affect his F1 return is expected today after further tests and X-rays. 

Long time F1 fans will recall a previous instance of a driver suffering a serious injury while cycling when, in November 2008, Mark Webber broke his leg while riding his mountain bike in the ‘Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge’ after colliding with a car. 

However, in that case Webber’s injury had come shortly after the end of the 2008 F1 season whereas Alonso’s crash occurred barely a month before the start of the 2021 season. 

Alonso is known for his dogged determination on track and finishing races higher than the capabilities of his car should allow him to. Depending on the severity of his injuries he will have to make a similar push in order to make it to the start of the season or miss as little of it as possible.