Fernando Alonso crashes out of Australian Grand Prix as chaotic wet race claims another victim

Fernando Alonso’s 2025 Formula 1 season got off to a rocky start after the two-time world champion crashed out of the Australian Grand Prix on lap 34. Alonso’s Aston Martin lost control as he ran wide onto the wet kerb at Turn 6, causing the rear end to spin into the barriers. The impact ended his race and triggered a second safety car period at Albert Park. Fortunately, Alonso emerged unharmed from the incident.

Fernando Alonso’s crash marked the fourth retirement of the season opener, following earlier incidents involving Isack Hadjar, Jack Doohan, and Carlos Sainz. Hadjar had already crashed out during the formation lap, while Doohan and Sainz both exited on the chaotic opening lap in treacherous wet conditions. The Spanish driver’s accident prompted several strategic pit stops, with most drivers switching to hard tyres due to the drying track. Max Verstappen, however, opted for mediums, while Alonso’s teammate, Lance Stroll, also pitted for hards.

Speaking before the race, Alonso shared his optimism about the season opener:
"I'm happy with today's feeling, first qualifying of the year, the first moment that you are in the same moment with the same conditions to everyone, so there is always a little bit of curiosity on where are you, so we were in the top 10. We were quite fast, then yeah, I made a mistake in Q2, run one. I went a little bit wide in Turn 10, I think I had damaged the floor a little bit."
The Australian Grand Prix had already seen plenty of drama even before Alonso’s crash. Lando Norris led the race from his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri after passing Verstappen, who made a rare mistake at Turn 11. Piastri then began closing in on Norris as the track conditions continued to improve. Alonso had been running in the midfield, aiming for a points finish, before the tricky conditions caught him out.
Also Read: Carlos Sainz crashes out of Australian GP after dramatic start in wet conditions
Alonso’s misfortune reshaped the race dynamics, leaving McLaren in a strong position with more than 20 laps remaining. While Alonso’s crash was disappointing for Aston Martin, the thrilling nature of the season opener has already set the tone for an unpredictable championship battle.