Fernando Alonso’s electric start to the 2023 F1 season continued in fine fashion at Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix, as the Spaniard continued his run of finishing on the podium at every round this season.
Alonso finished third at the Albert Park Circuit for the third round in a row, after being reinstated to P3 following a collision with Carlos Sainz.
Alonso had been in third for the vast majority of the race, until he was clipped by Sainz following a second race restart on the penultimate lap.
The Aston Martin driver fell to P12 as a result; however, he was reinstated to P3 after the FIA reversed the grid back to what it was at the beginning of the restart, due to a third red flag having been flown seconds after Alonso was spun round.
READ: George Russell defends Mercedes handing Lewis Hamilton huge advantage
It meant Aston Martin’s fantastic start to 2023 continued, with the Silverstone-based side having maintained second in the Drivers’ Championship.
Alonso’s third consecutive podium saw him remain in third in the Drivers’ Championship.
Whilst everything was going sublimely for Alonso on the circuit, off the circuit it was a different story.
Not long after celebrating his rostrum with his team, the double World Champion announced on social media that himself and long-term girlfriend Andrea Schlager had parted ways.
The announcement came just a few hours after the podium celebrations, with the F1 driver and the sports commentator having shared the same message.
Many fans have already shared their feelings towards the duo, despite very little having been known about their relationship.
“We wanted to tell you that our relationship as a couple ended,” Alonso and Schlager wrote on social media.
READ: Jenson Button calls out FIA for ‘strange’ decision which hurt several drivers
“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.”