Australian tennis star Jelena Dokic suffered an eye injury while watching an F1 race in Melbourne. The 40-year-old, who reached the Wimbledon semi-finals in 2000, required treatment from a paramedic in the Mercedes lounge.
Alonso qualified in P10 for Sunday’s race but he went off track at Turn 10 and shot dust and debris into the watching fans. Dokic has been left with a bloodshot right eye as she moved to thank those who helped her with the issue.
“When you go to the Formula One weekend at the Australian Grand Prix and a car going off track happens right in front of you, literally and all the rock debris flies right into your eye,” Dokic posted on social media.
“Fernando Alonso ran off the track and the rock debris that you see flying off the back wheels went straight into my right eye.
“Had to get treated for it but all good. Just a bloodshot and scratched eye. I will survive. Amazing and quick work by the paramedic at Mercedes-AMG Lounge. Thank you all that took care of me. I am all good. Ready to watch some more F1.”
Both Aston Martins made it through to Q3, with Lance Stroll just ahead of Alonso on the fifth row.
“Getting both cars into Q3 was more or less what we expected today,” Alonso said.
“My first lap in Q3 wasn’t great: I went off into the gravel at Turn Six. My mistake. So, on my final push-lap, I didn’t really have full confidence in the car. It was tricky.
“I feel we are a little bit less competitive than we were in Jeddah. The car was sliding; a little sensitive in the wind; lacking consistency. But it’s the same for everybody. Still, we need to find more pace. There will be lots going on tomorrow.
“It’s not going to be an easy race for the tyres – graining will be a concern for everybody – so let’s see if we can manage them better than the others. We want to get both cars home in the points tomorrow.”
