Fernando Alonso will begin at present’s Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix from the pit lane after Aston Martin fitted a number of new energy unit parts to his AMR26, pushing the two-time world champion past his permitted seasonal allocation.
Aston Martin fitted the next elements that exceeded the utmost permitted allocation:
MGU-Okay: Fourth unit used (restrict: three)
Power Retailer Unit (ES): Fourth unit used (restrict: three)
Management Electronics (PU-CE): Fourth unit used (restrict: three)
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Fernando Alonso within the storage throughout observe forward of the 2026 F1 Grand Prix of Barcelona-Catalunya.Photograph by Alastair Staley/LAT Photos by way of Getty Photos
, the ability unit ancillary parts (PU-ANC) have been additionally changed with out the technical delegate’s approval, a separate breach that was referred to the stewards for consideration.
Why Is Fernando Alonso Beginning From Pit Lane?
Exceeding the permitted allocation of energy unit parts in F1 carries an computerized penalty. With a number of parts surpassing their limits concurrently, Alonso’s punishment is a pit lane begin, that means he is not going to take his place on the grid with the remainder of the sphere and can as an alternative start the race from the pit lane, one of the crucial extreme non-race-ban penalties the game can impose.
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Fernando Alonsoin the storage throughout last observe forward of the 2026 F1 Grand Prix of Barcelona-Catalunya. Photograph by Bryn Lennon – System 1 by way of Getty Photos
, the slowest on the grid at his house grand prix, Alonso’s begin from the pit lane indicators a major second for Aston Martin. The strategic resolution to suit the brand new parts suggests the crew is prioritizing long-term efficiency positive factors over short-term outcomes, banking on the upgraded energy unit to unlock a greater tempo for .
A Tough Weekend Will get Worse
The engine penalty caps a tough Barcelona weekend for the Spaniard. It’s the first time he has been outqualified by his teammate since final yr’s Chinese language Grand Prix Dash, with Lance Stroll ending forward of the 44-year-old driver in qualifying.
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Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso stroll within the Paddock in the course of the 2026 F1 Miami Grand Prix previews.Photograph by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Photos
Earlier within the weekend, Alonso was additionally after the skin fringe of his left entrance wheel was discovered to have crossed the white line on the pit exit.
For a driver of Fernando Alonso’s caliber, ranging from the pit lane at his house grand prix is much from supreme. Nevertheless, with an upgraded energy unit now fitted, Aston Martin shall be hoping the Spaniard can use his racecraft and expertise to claw again as many positions as doable when the lights exit on Sunday afternoon.
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This story was initially printed by on Jun 14, 2026, the place it first appeared within the part. Add Athlon Sports activities as a
