Fernando Alonso appeared to decide to retire from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on lap 21 of 51 after problems with his Honda engine, extending a difficult 2026 season for Aston Martin. Neither of the team’s cars reached the chequered flag in Azerbaijan, according to RaceFans.

Alonso spent much of the race exchanging positions with Valtteri Bottas of Cadillac. The engine trouble eventually led to Alonso’s withdrawal, with the report indicating he made the call himself over team radio.

“I think we will box,” Alonso said, using the phrase that accompanied his retirement. He was the second Aston Martin driver to leave the race: Lance Stroll had parked the other AMR26 14 laps earlier because of a loss of water pressure.

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix report was written by Keith Collantine and published by RaceFans. The article page showed a timestamp of 29 September 2026 at 7:15, alongside an earlier timestamp of 28 September 2026 at 12:21.

Collantine founded RaceFans in 2005, when it was called F1 Fanatic. He had previously worked as a motoring journalist and began running the site full time in 2010, pursuing a long-held ambition to devote his attention to motor racing.

RaceFans also listed other Azerbaijan Grand Prix coverage, including reports that Red Bull told Isack Hadjar not to pass Max Verstappen in an unbroadcast message, that Lando Norris apologised to Franco Colapinto for saying he “shouldn’t be in Formula 1,” and that Alpine again condemned online abuse, describing it as “a regular occurrence.” George Russell said the final laps were “exceptionally fun” because the tyres did not degrade.

Based on reporting by RaceFans.