Fernando Alonso hospitalized after being hit by car while cycling

Two-time Formula One champion Fernando Alonso has been hospitalized in Switzerland after being hit by a car while cycling ahead of his return to Formula 1.

Alsonso is conscious, but the further details of his condition are yet to be known. Alpine released a short statement confirming the incident.

“Alpine F1 Team can confirm that Fernando Alonso has been involved in a road accident while cycling in Switzerland,” the team said. “Fernando is conscious… and is awaiting additional medical examinations tomorrow morning.”

It is understood Alonso was cycling near Lugano when the incident took place. The Spaniard was taken to a nearby hospital, although it is not clear if he has been retained overnight prior to tomorrow’s checks. 

Alonso is getting back to F1 this season at the age of 39, after two years away from the category since leaving McLaren at the end of 2018. In that time he participated in multiple disciplines including the Indy 500 and Dakar Rally, while also picking up two Le Mans 24 Hour wins and a Rolex 24 at Daytona victory for Wayne Taylor Racing in 2019.

He is set to race for Alpine this year, the new name for the Renault team with whom he won both of his F1 world championships in 2005 and 2006.