Aston Martin has revealed the unusual cause of Fernando Alonso's sudden suspension collapse during Formula 1's Italian Grand Prix.
Alonso was forced to retire from the race when his front-right pushrod gave way as he ran over the exit kerb out of the Ascari chicane on lap 24 of 53.
It has since been revealed that gravel flicked up - believed to be from Lando Norris's McLaren, which is visible from onboard cameras - on the opening lap damaged Alonso's suspension, and that damage was exacerbated by the rigours of the Monza circuit.
"The team can confirm some gravel hit Fernando's car in the first lap of the race in multiple areas, including his suspension, which compromised it," Aston Martin said.
"The team were unaware of the damage sustained. Low-level, continuous loading caused the eventual failure of the part."
Suspension failure for Alonso! pic.twitter.com/kbyfHLSCz3
Alonso was 15th at the time of his retirement but had run eighth in the opening stint and jumped Gabriel Bortoleto - who went on to finish eighth - in the pitstop phase, which suggested a strong points finish was possible.
It was another blow for Alonso, who wants to maximise his points scoring in what has been an improved period for Aston Martin, although the team has left even more points on the table, even by Alonso's admission.
Alonso is 12th in the drivers' championship, two points behind team-mate Lance Stroll, while Aston Martin is 24 points down on Williams in the fight for fifth in the constructors' championship.
It has outscored Williams in the run of races since the Spanish GP in June, though Alonso's retirement and Alex Albon's seventh-place finish at Monza did allow Williams to increase its buffer again.
"It's frustrating that I should have maybe 20-30 points more than what I have - not down to me - but it the way it is," said Alonso. "Unfortunately, I'm getting used to it."
