Fernando Alonso created quite a stir in Thursday’s FIA press conference at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya when the McLaren-Honda driver turned up with his sunglasses on. Was the double world champion trying to conceal something from the prying eyes of the media? Was it a metaphorical illustration of the Woking/Sakura alliance being still in the dark?

It took a while before long-time F1 interviewer and commentator Bob Constanduros finally asked the Spaniard about it. “I have a stye – a little inflammation of my eye,” replied Alonso. “They recommend not to be too much on the artificial light. I try to protect a little bit the eye today and tomorrow to be ready for Saturday and Sunday.” Not sure this is the ideal situation before jumping an F1 car.

Julien Billiotte

Recent Posts

Through one lens: Twelve photographs from the 2025 F1 season

  Lewis Hamilton: Australian GP – Albert Park Lewis Hamilton’s very first Grand Prix weekend…

4 hours ago

Two Formula 1 racers born on Christmas day

One driver has a hugely famous name, the other is a special Grand Prix winner,…

7 hours ago

Red with purpose – It’s time for Ferrari to bring it home

As the Ferrari factory in Maranello glows in festive crimson, a sense of anticipation hums…

1 day ago

Norris reveals the quirky private moment his F1 title finally sunk in

Lando Norris had just done the hardest thing in motorsport – winning the Formula 1…

1 day ago

Howden Ganley, McLaren's third-ever employee

A veteran of 41 Grands Prix starts, Howden Ganley - seen here above hitting a…

1 day ago

Leclerc’s ‘naughty’ Christmas gift leaves Russell ‘lost for words’

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc may not have ended the season with a silver trophy in hand,…

1 day ago