WATCH: Fernando Alonso is first driver of the weekend to hit the wall at Monaco in FP1

Monaco is a challenge like no other for Formula 1 drivers – even the very best of them, as Fernando Alonso was reminded in first practice for this Sunday's race when he hit the barriers in his Alpine.

Two-time World Champion Alonso - who also has two wins at Monaco - is competing at the track this weekend for the first time since 2018, and during FP1 he was the first driver to make contact with the walls that surround this unique circuit.

FP1 REPORT: Perez, Sainz and Verstappen lead the opening practice session in Monaco

The Spaniard was negotiating the final corner when he appeared to suffer from understeer and hit the barriers on the outside of the turn, damaging his front wing on impact, as you can see in the video above. He immediately returned to the pits for a replacement nose, and ended the session 13th fastest.

Alonso may be the first driver to misjudge the limits at Monaco this weekend, but he's unlikely to be the last...