Fernando Alonso faces 'real test' as Aston Martin tweaks seat for Monaco

Aston Martin has made adjustments to Fernando Alonso's seat ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, hoping to resolve the discomfort that forced his retirement from the Canadian GP. Chief trackside officer Mike Krack confirmed the changes on Thursday, but warned that Friday's practice will be the "real test" of their effectiveness.

Why it matters:

Alonso's seat pain has become a recurring issue, with the two-time champion describing worsening discomfort during the race in Canada. For Aston Martin, solving this is critical—not just for driver comfort, but to avoid further performance losses at a crucial point in the season. The team is also eager to maximize Alonso's experience as they develop the AMR26.

The details:

• Alonso retired after 23 of 68 laps in Canada due to seat issues, later saying he felt "more and more uncomfortable."
• Krack revealed Alonso has been uncomfortable "for a while," and Aston Martin worked extensively on Tuesday to find a solution.
• Comprehensive changes: Adjustments went beyond seat angle to include steering wheel distance and FIA height regulations. "It's never one single thing, it's a complete set of changes," Krack explained.
• Alonso, who stands 1.71m tall, is now sitting higher? Krack joked: "He can't be much lower!"
• Adrian Newey return: The team principal is back in the paddock for Monaco after missing races since Australia due to illness.

What's next:

Friday's practice sessions will determine if the modifications are sufficient. Krack admitted further tweaks may be needed over the weekend. Meanwhile, Newey's presence in Monte Carlo could provide additional insight as Aston Martin aims to rebound from a painful start to 2026.