It was supposed to be a relaxed Secret Santa lap before the final race of the season, but it became a viral hit for Fernando Alonso. The 44-year-old Aston Martin driver unpacked a walking stick in front of the camera, much to the delight of fans who celebrated the moment on social media.
On Reddit, one user wrote: “I read that Hulk was probably his Secret Santa. Top tier shithousery.” Another commented with a laugh: “This stick probably costs hundreds of dollars – that’s what makes it so fun.”
When it quickly became clear that Nico Hülkenberg was the giver, the mood finally shifted towards humor. “This makes it less mean and just wonderful,” wrote one user. Another added: “If it had come from a rookie it would have been super disrespectful.”
There was even a swipe at Aston Martin: “What a thoughtful gift. My back must hurt because it has worn Aston Martin for the last three years.”
Aston Martin fights in Abu Dhabi on Friday
In terms of sport, the team is in a close duel for sixth place in the constructors’ championship. Aston Martin is in seventh place with 80 points, twelve points behind Racing Bulls. Alonso himself is twelfth in the World Championship with 48 points, Lance Stroll is in 17th place with 32 points.
Despite the cheerful Christmas campaign, Alonso remains focused in the paddock. After the first two practice sessions in Abu Dhabi, he said: “As expected, I think. A difficult track to balance the car – very different corner speeds in the first and last sector.”
The Spaniard finished the second free practice session in ninth place, but the long runs didn’t look good. Alonso explains: “The hotel sector is always slow and tricky. We’re trying to find more grip on the front axle for tomorrow and become more competitive.”