by Fernando Alonso’s arrival at this weekend’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix will be delayed due to medical treatment for an intestinal infection.
The Aston Martin driver flew back to Europe after Sunday’s Mexico City Grand Prix to see a specialist after falling ill ahead of the race weekend.
The extra day of treatment he received in Europe has delayed his trip to Brazil, Aston Martin said, and the two-time champion will miss Thursday’s media day.
The 43-year-old also missed the media day in Mexico, where he celebrated his 400th Grand Prix, due to illness.
The team said Alonso’s decision to return to Europe to be examined by a doctor “ensures he is ready for this weekend’s races.”
The Sao Paulo Grand Prix is a sprint weekend with a shorter race on Saturday in addition to the main Grand Prix on Sunday.
The schedule calls for drivers to have just one practice session on Friday before a qualifying session later in the day that will determine the starting grid for the sprint race, which is the first racing event on Saturday.
Grand Prix qualifying follows later on Saturday before the Grand Prix begins on Sunday.
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen goes into the weekend with a lead of 47 points over his title rival Lando Norris from McLaren with four races to go.
McLaren leads Ferrari and Red Bull in the constructors’ championship, with all three teams fighting for that title.
