Alonso sidelined for early part of Mexican GP weekend

Fernando Alonso is to skip his media duties ahead of this weekend's Mexico City Grand Prix after being declared unwell.

Alonso is celebrating a historic landmark over the next few days as the event at the Hermanos Rodriguez circuit represents the 400th grand prix the two-time F1 champion will have entered. The race, should he be fit to drive, will be his 397th start.

However, Aston Martin has confirmed the 43-year-old Spaniard will not be able to fulfil his media obligations. He was due to take part in one of the two official FIA press conference sessions alongside Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, and Stake driver Zhou Guanyu.

A team statement read: "Fernando Alonso is feeling unwell and will therefore not attend media day at the Mexico City Grand Prix."

Alonso will also not drive in the first practice session on Friday, with his seat taken up by reserve driver Felipe Drugovich, as per the rules that dictate rookie drivers must be allowed two FP1s per season.

Aston Martin is naturally hoping Alonso will be able to return to the cockpit for the second hour-long practice run later in the day.

The statement added: "Fernando is focused on feeling 100% for Friday and his planned return to the AMR24 for Free Practice 2."