Fernando Alonso may have walked away from his horrific crash in Melbourne with barely a scratch on him but after routine medical checks ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, the McLaren driver has been ruled out of competing in this weekend’s running.
An FIA statement read: “Following an examination undertaken this morning at the Bahrain International Circuit Medical Centre, it has been decided that McLaren Honda F1 Team driver Fernando Alonso should not take part in this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix. Two sets of chest CT scans were compared and it was decided that there was insufficient resolution of the signs to allow him to compete on safety grounds.
“A repeat chest scan has been requested before the Chinese Grand Prix and the results will be considered before allowing him to race there.”
This is the second race Alonso has missed in recent times, when he didn’t take part in last year’s Australian Grand Prix following his mysterious winter-testing crash at the Circuit de Catalunya.
There’s been no official word yet on who will replace him, but it’s more than likely going to be McLaren junior, Stoffel Vandoorne.
EDIT: Yup, it’s Vandoorne!
About to board for Bahrain, a bit earlier than expected but so much looking forward to it! Will do my very best for the team @McLarenF1!
— Stoffel Vandoorne (@svandoorne) March 31, 2016