Fernando Alonso details terminal ‘Daniel Ricciardo’ problem

Fernando Alonso has given details about the cause of his Monaco Grand Prix retirement, equating it to Daniel Ricciardo's 2018 problem. 

Running in the points, Alonso pulled off at Rascasse on Lap 36 in the Principality with an engine issue, extending his point-less run to start the season. 

2025 is now the worst start to Alonso's career since his 2001 rookie season, although the two-time world champion has scored 11th-place finishes in Japan, Saudi Arabia and at Imola. 

Explaining the cause of his DNF, Alonso explained how the problem was similar to what Ricciardo faced in 2018. 

"I had the problem with the engine since Lap 15, I didn't have the air system, the electrical part, so I was like Daniel in 2018," he explained to media, including RacingNews365.

"I had 160 bhp less, but in Monaco, power is not crucial, so I kept the lap times reasonable, and was dreaming to keep P6 at the end, but it was not possible, but the race was good, qualifying was very good, so we lost an opportunity. 

"It is not bad luck, it is not like something came from the sky and hit our car."

When questioned by RacingNews365 about the point-less start to the season from his side, Alonso indicated he would be prepared to sacrifice the 2025 season if it meant Aston would be title contenders next term. 

"Well, to be honest, I will be happy if everything goes like this the whole season and I win in Australia next year," he added.

"For me, it doesn't really change anything to finish P8 in Barcelona or Canada, and scoring eight points or 22 points this year doesn't change much. 

"Next year, with the change in regulations, we really hope to be a contender for the championship, so I'm happy to accumulate all the DNFs this year."