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F1: Fernando Alonso isn’t allowed to race in Bahrain

By Andrew Dowdeswell

SAKHIR, BAHRAIN - MARCH 31: Fernando Alonso of Spain and McLaren Honda in the Paddock during previews ahead of the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix at Bahrain International Circuit on March 31, 2016 in Sakhir, Bahrain. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
SAKHIR, BAHRAIN - MARCH 31: Fernando Alonso of Spain and McLaren Honda in the Paddock during previews ahead of the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix at Bahrain International Circuit on March 31, 2016 in Sakhir, Bahrain. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /
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McLaren driver Fernando Alonso has been banned from racing in this weekend’s grand prix in Bahrain due to health concerns.

It was an exciting start to the new Formula One season. Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton were the stars of the show, running in a one-two finish for Mercedes. It was, however, Fernando Alonso, who stole the headlines, with a huge 180 mph crash that saw his car flip multiple times before crashing into the barrier. It was quite a difficult crash to watch, one that led to Alonso suffering serious rib injuries. It is these injuries that have forced the doctors to conclude that Alonso is not fit to race in Bahrain this weekend.

There were significant concerns over the possible future issues with an already cracked rib and partially collapsed lung. A “disappointed” Alonso stated that there was a “risk the fracture could affect the lung” and he “respects the decision.”

It is a shame to not see Fernando race this weekend, but in the grand scheme of things, especially with the greater awareness of the safety of the drivers within the sport in recent years, it is clearly a decision that needed to be made. It is testament to this greater awareness that Alonso himself was able to walk away from the dramatic crash, as the technology involved in the cars improves year on year.

When Alonso is able to return depends on his health, but he will be sorely missed as long as he is on the sidelines.