Formula 1: Fernando Alonso treated for infection but will race in Sao Paulo

Fernando Alonso’s arrival at this weekend’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix will be delayed because of medical treatment for an intestinal infection.

The Aston Martin driver flew back to Europe following Sunday’s Mexico City Grand Prix to see a specialist, after falling ill before the race weekend.

The extra day’s treatment he received in Europe has delayed his travel to Brazil, Aston Martin said, and the two-time champion will miss Thursday’s media day.

The 43-year-old also missed media day in Mexico, where he celebrated his 400th grand prix, as a result of illness.

The team said Alonso’s decision to return to Europe to be seen by a doctor “ensures he will be ready for this weekend’s racing”.

The Sao Paulo Grand Prix is a sprint weekend, with a shorter race on Saturday in addition to the main grand prix on Sunday.

The schedule means drivers have just one practice session on Friday before a qualifying session later that day that sets the grid for the sprint race, which is the first track action on Saturday.

Grand Prix qualifying follows later on Saturday before the grand prix on Sunday.

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen goes into the weekend, with four races still to go, with a 47-point lead over his title rival Lando Norris of McLaren.

McLaren lead Ferrari and Red Bull in the constructors’ championship, with all three teams in contention for that title.