Alonso experiences power unit issues once again: 'It didn't start'

After making it through to Q2 and eventually scoring points with an alternative strategy at the Dutch Grand Prix, Alonso was knocked out in Q1 at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza.

The Spaniard only set the 21st-best time in the first session, but he is set to start from P18 after grid penalties are applied to championship leader Kimi Antonelli, Red Bull Racing's Liam Lawson, and Williams' Alex Albon.

Speaking to GPblog, among others, Alonso highlighted that he had an issue with his power unit. "The engine didn't start, so we had a problem with the power unit. I don't know if it's the ICE, or the battery or whatever it is, but, yeah, it didn't start.

Looking ahead to Sunday, he added: "[Fighting the Cadillacs], nothing more than that. This has been a difficult weekend challenging. I think Vegas is going to be another one of that type [of weekend] with the weaknesses that we have on these long straights, maybe Baku.

Ahead of the Italian Grand Prix weekend, Alonso addressed his future in the series. He commented: "It's not really about the car. I am and I will be professional and working at my 100% fighting for P15 or fighting for a podium. But for me, it's more about the regulations. Unfortunately, this is what it is. This is this is not the Formula 1 we grew up with, and this is not the Formula 1 that we all want, drivers, spectators."

In an exclusive article, GPblog previously reported that the Spaniard had indeed made a decision about his future and that his partnership with Aston Martin would 'simply' be extended, with an announcement expected during the Spanish Grand Prix.