Aston Martin reveal cause of dramatic Fernando Alonso suspension failure

Aston Martin has confirmed the cause of Fernando Alonso's seemingly sudden suspension failure during the Italian Grand Prix.

Having lined up for the race at Monza in eighth, the two-time F1 drivers' champion was running in a net seventh place, ahead of protégé Gabriel Bortoleto, and looked poised for a seventh points-scoring finish of the campaign, all from the past eight rounds after a slow start to the season.

However, after contact with the kerb on the exit of the Ascari Chicane (Turn 10), the suspension on his AMR25 gave way.

"Suspension failure. This is unbelievable," the 44-year-old told the Silverstone squad in despair over team radio.

Aston Martin has explained that it was, in fact, not a sudden failure on the Spanish driver's car, although it was unexpected.

"The team can confirm some gravel hit Fernando’s car in the first lap of the race in multiple areas, including his suspension, which compromised it," a spokesperson for Aston Martin told RacingNews365.

"The team were unaware of the damage sustained. Low-level continuous loading caused the eventual failure of the part."

Aston Martin and Alonso will be looking to continue their recent strong form at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

The team sits sixth in the constructors' standings, 24 points adrift of Williams ahead, and the 32-time grand prix winner has collected 30 of its 62 points for the year.