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BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – Fernando Alonso of Spain and McLaren F1 walks in the Paddock after practice for the Formula One Grand Prix of Hungary at Hungaroring in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
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BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – Fernando Alonso of Spain and McLaren F1 walks in the Paddock after practice for the Formula One Grand Prix of Hungary at Hungaroring in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Two-Time World Champion, Fernando Alonso, was involved in a road accident on February 11. The Spaniard was cycling in Switzerland when he was hit by a car.
He was immediately rescued and hospitalized in a nearby hospital. The radiographic examination reportedly showed evidence of a possible broken jaw and damage to his teeth.
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The Alpine driver was cycling in Lugano, Switzerland, as part of his training for the upcoming season. Cycling is one of his most cherished hobbies, and he tries to incorporate as much of it into his pre-season regimen as possible.
Alpine F1 confirmed in a statement that he is conscious and is in a good state of mind. They are awaiting further information from additional examinations and will give updates as and when they arrive.
This could see Alonso miss the start of the upcoming 2021 season.
Tributes flowing in from rival teams and drivers for Fernando Alonso
Following this, several of Alonso’s rivals and peers wished him well
A former teammate at Renault, Romain Grosjean, immediately gave his best wishes.
Get well soon @alo_oficial https://t.co/5DEavi1hkM
— Romain Grosjean (@RGrosjean) February 11, 2021
Sending our best wishes to @alo_oficial. We’re all hoping for a speedy recovery. 🧡
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) February 11, 2021
We’re wishing you a speedy recovery, Fernando. 💚
— Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) February 11, 2021
Wishing you a speedy recovery, Fernando 🙏
— Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) February 11, 2021
Formula One, Formula E, World Endurance Championship, and the official F1 game gave their best wishes as well.
Sending all our best wishes to Fernando
— Formula 1 (@F1) February 11, 2021
We’re wishing you a speedy recovery, @alo_oficial https://t.co/Y56EFNkhSf
— ABB FIA Formula E World Championship (@FIAFormulaE) February 11, 2021
We are with you Fernando. Fuerza campeón. 💪🏻
— WEC (@FIAWEC) February 11, 2021
We’re wishing @alo_oficial a speedy recovery 🙏
Get well soon, Fernando! https://t.co/n4NbgEoZfD
— Formula 1® Game (@Formula1game) February 11, 2021
His countryman and closer friend Carlos Sainz gave his tribute as well.
Ánimo @alo_oficial. Esperemos que no sea nada y te recuperes lo antes posible!
— Carlos Sainz (@Carlossainz55) February 11, 2021
His old team in IndyCar, Arrow McLaren SP, also wished him a speedy recovery.
The entire team's thoughts are with @alo_oficial. Wishing you a speedy and full recovery.
— Arrow McLaren SP (@ArrowMcLarenSP) February 11, 2021
Potential ramifications for Alpine F1
Alpine has a tough job on their hands with Alonso’s accident. They will be hoping he recovers quickly and is in a state to be in a race car again.
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SPIELBERG, AUSTRIA – JULY 05: Esteban Ocon of France driving the (31) Renault Sport Formula One Team RS20 on track during the Formula One Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on July 05, 2020 in Spielberg, Austria. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
They may need to find a replacement for him in the meantime. Guanyu Zhou is currently in the team in the capacity of a test driver. He will be the first preference in such a scenario. Romain Grosjean could also get a shock return. This would be similar to how Nico Hulkenberg made a return for Racing Point last season.
