Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso has been in sensational form this season and has arguably been the biggest surprise package of the 2023 campaign.
It had been nine years since Alonso last stood on the podium, but he has managed that in all races so far, finishing P3 in all three Grand Prix races.
Even at Albert Park in Melbourne, Alonso showed great skill and was P3 for the majority of the race.
However, he was clipped by Carlos Sainz in the penultimate lap and fell to P12 after the second restart.
The FIA was quick to reinstate him to P3 following the race as the governing body reversed the grid back to how it was at the beginning of the restart. This was largely due to the fact that a third red flag was issued seconds after Alonso was spun around.
Alonso’s third consecutive podium finish sees the Spaniard occupy third position in the drivers’ championship.
Things might be working out very smoothly for the two-time world champion on the track, but his personal life off it has not been quite as comfortable.
The Spanish racer announced his decision to split with long-term girlfriend Andrea Schlager shortly after securing the podium finish.
While he maintained that the duo will continue to be involved in certain projects together, it will undoubtedly have been a difficult time for the couple on a personal level.
“We wanted to tell you that our relationship as a couple ended,” Alonso and Schlager wrote on social media.
“We have been lucky enough to share a fantastic time together, and it will continue to be so, but on a different form of affection.
“As you have probably seen, we have continued working on and off track on various projects together also during this time, and we will keep doing so with deep love and respect for each other.
“We thought it is appropriate to share this as you have all been very supportive. Thanks for that. Love Fer & Andrea.”