Fernando Alonso suspects the water system to be the source of the red flag of the United States Grand Prix FP1

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Alpine revealed that Fernando Alonso had an “operational problem” in his car which caused him to stop at the start of FP1 for the United States Grand Prix.

The former two-time world champion left the track at turn 12 in the opening minutes of practice and fluid was seen to flow under the car which subsequently brought out the red flag.

However, the team were able to get the car back, fix the problem and get the Spaniard back into the session, but Alonso admitted things didn’t go well for him on Friday – and suspected a malfunction in the system. water had led to its stop.

Coupled with a slip off the track at Turn 19 in FP2, which saw him fly back towards the barriers and touch them before returning to the pits, he admitted his Friday was not his best.

“It wasn’t easy today,” Alonso told Formula1.com. “I think it’s not a super smooth Friday for us. A problem in FP1 then a spin in FP2.

“So, work to do tonight. I think the performance is not yet unlocked on our car and we are struggling with the balance. So let’s see – a lot of work to do.

“I think [the issue] was something on the water system so we had to shut down because the engine was running on hot water at the time.

“So they did a good job fixing it and I did a few more laps in FP1. But like I said, we weren’t happy with the balance, with none of the tires, so still work. “

Friday ended. Some work to do for tomorrow. Glad to be back at @COTA 🇺🇸👍 #alpine # f1 #Austin pic.twitter.com/uHZvxnF4lx

– Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) October 22, 2021

Alpine race director Davide Brivio expanded on Alonso’s problem, adding that “no physical damage” was on the car after the problem in FP1 – but he felt Esteban Ocon’s race was a better day for her side of the garage.

“It wasn’t our strongest Friday of the season today,” Brivio said during Alpine’s debriefing on Friday. “Especially for Fernando, it was more complicated than usual.

“We had a problem in FP1 which was quickly resolved without any physical damage to the car, then in FP2 it hit the wall slightly at turn 19 towards the end of the session.

“So he missed some time on the track today, but it was a more productive day for Esteban. We will now try to use all the information we collectively have to improve for tomorrow.

“There was some talk before the weekend about the moguls here, it’s a problem but the drivers are trying to adapt to it with the car.

“We are looking forward to tomorrow, we will continue to work and aim to make some improvements. “

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