Fernando Alonso Disappointed After Early Retirement In His 400th Race At The Mexican Grand Prix

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Fernando Alonso expressed disappointment after retiring from the Mexican Grand Prix, marking his 400th race in the series. Starting 13th, he gained positions following Yuki Tsunoda's crash. However, after 15 laps, a suspected brake cooling issue forced him out. Debris stuck in his car was believed to be the cause. Alonso has missed only four races since debuting at the Australian Grand Prix in 2001.

Alonso's career spans an impressive 35.7% of the 1120 races held in Formula 1 history. Reflecting on the race, Alonso said, "It was okay, the start was good." He noted that there was significant action ahead, which they capitalised on. Unfortunately, debris affected the front brake ducts, causing high temperatures.

The team attempted to manage the situation by adjusting the brake balance and other measures but couldn't control it. Consequently, they had to retire the car. This incident mirrored past experiences for Alonso during milestone races. He also failed to finish his 300th race in 2018 and his 200th at the Malaysian Grand Prix in 2013.

"It hurts always the same, to be honest," Alonso remarked about not finishing races. "When you don't see the chequered flag, it doesn't matter which number." He emphasised that they are there to compete and acknowledged that retiring is somewhat easier when not having a competitive weekend.

Alonso remained hopeful for better outcomes in future races despite this setback. He mentioned that it was unlikely they would have scored points that day anyway. Looking forward, he expressed optimism for more luck in upcoming races and aims to return stronger next year at this venue.

This incident highlights how even experienced drivers face challenges beyond their control. As Alonso continues his journey in Formula 1, fans eagerly anticipate his return to form and success on track.