Fernando Alonso joined McLaren’s 1000th grand prix celebrations as he reflected on his history with the team

Formula 1 fans of all ages look forward to the Monaco Grand Prix but one driver has thrown doubt on his team's involvement. Fernando Alonso has admitted that problems with Aston Martin's gearbox have added to the F1 team's concerns after months of frustration over the performance of their power unit.

During the 2024 race, Alex Albon spent 78 laps stuck behind Yuki Tsunoda's deliberately slow-paced car. He voiced his annoyance over the radio and later explained that the extreme tyre management makes the race dangerously dull for the drivers.

Fernando Alonso is convinced he is still “the best” driver in Formula 1. The 44-year-old Spaniard, who won back-to-back F1 world championships with Renault in 2005 and 2006, is still considered one of the best on the grid despite his recent lack of success, having last won a grand prix in 2013 with Ferrari.

He had worked with Alonso since the two-time world champion made his debut with Minardi in 2001. And followed Alonso through his career at McLaren, Ferrari, Alpine and Aston Martin. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Borra stepped back last season following the decline of his health.

The Monaco Grand Prix is arguably the most iconic and celebrated race on the Formula 1 calendar. It is also the most divisive. This year's race gets underway on Sunday afternoon, with Kimi Antonelli claiming pole position ahead of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.

The F1 machinery at his disposal this season is clearly lagging, but the self-belief fueling Fernando Alonso remains entirely untouched.

Fernando Alonso may be enduring one of the toughest starts to a Formula 1 season in recent memory, but that did not stop the Aston Martin driver from reminding Monaco exactly why he remains one of motorsport’s most fascinating figures.