Alonso Reveals Why George Russell Adorns His Phone Case in Mexico

Fernando Alonso, the two-time Formula 1 champion, has clarified the humorous reason behind George Russell's appearance on his phone case, a detail that went viral heading into the Mexico Grand Prix weekend.

Why it matters:

This lighthearted moment offered a brief distraction from Aston Martin's challenging season. While amusing, it underscores the often-unseen, human side of F1 drivers, showcasing their personalities beyond the intense competition. For fans, these personal anecdotes help bridge the gap between their heroes and everyday life, even as Alonso openly discusses his team's struggles on track.

The Details:

• The viral photo, showing Russell on Alonso's phone case, surfaced from a paddock board ahead of the Mexico Grand Prix.
• George Russell initially expressed surprise and amusement, questioning the authenticity of the photo and his unexpected 'phone case relationship' with Alonso.
• Upon arriving at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez for Friday practice, Alonso playfully addressed the situation directly with Russell.
• The Explanation: Alonso revealed that his niece took a photo in Miami where Russell was "unfortunately there," implying Russell was simply in the background of a family photo that ended up on the phone case.
• Russell, in turn, joked that he was happy to sign the phone case, having initially believed the image was fake.

The Big Picture:

Beyond the lighthearted exchange, Alonso candidly discussed Aston Martin's performance struggles. The team has been "underperforming for basically the whole of 2025," a sentiment echoed by his assessment that the season has been difficult and not one to celebrate.

• Aston Martin currently sits seventh in the constructors' championship with 69 points, with Alonso contributing 37 and Lance Stroll 32.
• Alonso emphasized the team's self-critical approach, acknowledging that they are "not quick enough" but continue to strive for their best results each weekend, as evidenced by his single point from Austin.

What's next:

With the season drawing to a close, Aston Martin's focus will be on maximizing their performance in the remaining races and looking towards development for the next season. The team's honest assessment suggests a clear understanding of the work ahead to return to a more competitive footing.