Fernando Alonso

Fernando Alonso Díaz, born on July 29, 1981, is a distinguished Spanish racing driver currently competing for Aston Martin in Formula One. Renowned for his remarkable career, Alonso secured the World Drivers' Championship in 2005 and 2006 with Renault, showcasing his prowess on the racing circuit. He has also represented McLaren, Ferrari, and Minardi throughout his impressive journey. Beyond Formula One, Alonso achieved notable success with Toyota, clinching the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2018 and 2019, along with the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2018–19. His triumphs extend to winning the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2019 with Wayne Taylor Racing. As of 2023, Alonso holds the distinction of being the only driver to conquer both the F1 World Drivers' Championship and the World Endurance Championship.


Hailing from Oviedo, Asturias, Alonso's racing journey commenced at the age of three with kart racing, where he achieved significant success in local, national, and world championships. Transitioning to car racing at 17, he won the Euro Open by Nissan in 1999 and secured fourth place in the International Formula 3000 Championship in 2000. Alonso's Formula One debut occurred with Minardi in 2001, followed by joining Renault as a test driver in 2002. His promotion to a race seat in 2003 marked the beginning of a historic era, as he clinched two drivers' championships in 2005 and 2006, setting numerous records for the youngest pole-sitter, race winner, world champion, and two-time champion.


Subsequent stints with McLaren, Renault, and Ferrari showcased Alonso's consistent competitiveness. He experienced a close battle for the championship with McLaren in 2007 and secured two wins with Renault in 2008. The move to Ferrari from 2010 to 2014 resulted in three runner-up finishes in the championship battles of 2010, 2012, and 2013. After a brief tenure with McLaren from 2015 to 2018, Alonso took a two-year sabbatical and returned to Formula One in 2021 with Alpine. Notably, at the 2021 Qatar Grand Prix, he marked his return with a podium finish, ending a seven-year podium drought. In 2022, he set a new record for the most starts in Formula One at the Singapore Grand Prix.


The 2023 season saw Alonso joining Aston Martin, where he experienced immediate success with six podium finishes in the initial eight races. Notably, at the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, he celebrated his 100th podium by finishing third, joining an elite group of drivers in Formula One history.


Alonso's impressive track record includes 32 Grand Prix victories, 22 pole positions, and a total of 2267 points from 377 starts. He remains the only Spanish Formula One driver to have won the World Championship. Alonso's impact extends beyond racing; he has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Prince of Asturias Award for Sports, the Premios Nacionales del Deporte Sportsman of the Year Award, and the Gold Medal of the Royal Order of Sports Merit. Twice inducted into the FIA Hall of Fame, Alonso also runs an esports and junior racing team and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.


Alonso's early life in Oviedo saw him born into a working-class family. His father, José Luis Alonso, a mine shaft explosives factory mechanic and amateur kart driver, built a go-kart initially intended for his sister, Lorena. However, she showed little interest, leading three-year-old Alonso to take up the kart. Despite financial constraints, the family supported Alonso's passion, with his father playing a pivotal role as his mentor, manager, and mechanic. At seven, Alonso won his first kart race in Pola de Laviana, setting the stage for a promising career in motorsports.


Fernando Alonso's karting prowess continued to shine as he claimed victory in the 1990 Asturias and the Basque Country Cadet Championship, establishing himself as a formidable force on the karting circuit. His exceptional talent propelled him to a second-place finish in the 1991 Spanish Cadet National Championship, showcasing his consistent performance at a young age. Despite being deemed underage for more powerful machinery, the local karting federation permitted Alonso to enter the 100cc class, further demonstrating his exceptional skills and determination.


A turning point in Alonso's karting journey occurred at a Catalan Karting Championship meet in Móra d'Ebre, where Genís Marcó, impressed by Alonso's potential, invited him to participate in the Spanish Karting Championship. Under the mentorship of Mike Wilson, Alonso joined the Italian American Motor Engineering works team in 1993, marking a crucial step in his racing development. This collaboration proved fruitful as Alonso secured three consecutive Spanish Junior National Championships from 1993 to 1995, solidifying his status as a rising star in the karting world.


Alonso's outstanding results granted him entry into the world championships, with notable achievements such as a third-place finish at the 1995 Commission Internationale de Karting (CIK-FIA) Cadets' Rainbow Trophy. Demonstrating both his racing skills and versatility, Alonso also worked as a mechanic for younger kart drivers, showcasing his dedication to the sport.
The year 1996 proved to be a banner year for Alonso as he clinched his fourth Spanish Junior Karting Championship, the Trofeo Estival, the Marlboro Masters, and the CIK-FIA 5 Continents Juniors Cup at the Karting Genk. His dominance continued into 1997, where he claimed victory in the Italian and Spanish International A championships and secured a commendable second place in the European Championship with an impressive tally of nine wins. Alonso's triumphs extended to the Masters Karting Paris Bercy and the Spanish Karting Championship, further solidifying his reputation as a karting prodigy.


Fernando Alonso's transition from karting to junior racing was marked by significant achievements and a promising debut in the car racing arena.
At the age of 17, Alonso embarked on his car racing career in the 1999 Euro Open by Nissan with Campos Motorsport. In a remarkable display of talent and determination, he clinched the title at the final race of the season, outperforming Manuel Gião. Alonso's campaign was highlighted by six victories and nine pole positions, showcasing his immediate impact and earning him recognition as a rising star in the motorsport scene.


Building on his success, Alonso elevated his career to the next level in 2000 by joining the International Formula 3000 Championship with the Minardi-backed Team Astromega. This move marked a significant step forward for the young driver. Despite facing challenges, including a sponsorship agreement with driver Robert Lechner falling through, Alonso demonstrated his resilience and adaptability.


In the competitive International Formula 3000 Championship, Alonso showcased his skills by securing a second-place finish at the Hungaroring. The pinnacle of his season came with a victory at the season-ending round held at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. These achievements contributed to Alonso's overall standing, securing him a commendable fourth place with 17 points. His success in the International Formula 3000 Championship laid the foundation for his subsequent rise in the world of motorsports.


Fernando Alonso's journey to Formula One began with an opportunity that arose from his success in the Euro Open by Nissan series. In December 1999, Cesare Fiorio, the sports director, arranged a test for Alonso in a Formula One (F1) car at the Circuito de Jerez. This test was part of the agreement between Euro Open by Nissan's organizing company RPM and Minardi, providing the series champion with a chance to showcase their skills at a higher level.
Having impressed during the test, Alonso took on the role of Minardi's test and reserve driver for the 2000 season. The following year, in 2001, he transitioned to the race team, marking his official entry into the competitive world of Formula One. Despite being in a non-competitive car, Alonso demonstrated his determination and adaptability throughout the season.


In the 2001 Formula One season, Alonso faced the challenges of racing with Minardi, a team with limited resources compared to the frontrunners. Despite the constraints, he achieved his best result of the season with a tenth-place finish in the German Grand Prix. However, due to the team's non-competitive nature, he scored no points for the season, concluding the year in 23rd place overall.


Alonso's initial experiences with Minardi laid the foundation for his future successes in Formula One, showcasing his talent and determination even in less competitive circumstances. His journey with Minardi was a crucial stepping stone in his Formula One career, setting the stage for more significant achievements with renowned teams in the years to come.


Fernando Alonso's progression through the ranks of Formula One showcased his exceptional talent and determination.
In 2002, under the guidance of manager Flavio Briatore, Alonso signed with Renault as a test driver. This strategic move aimed to familiarize him with the team dynamics and enhance his skills for future success. Working closely with the engineering department, Alonso contributed to the improvement of fellow drivers Giancarlo Fisichella and Jenson Button. He also participated in testing sessions in Spain and the United Kingdom, gaining valuable insights into the nuances of Formula One.


The year 2003 marked Alonso's promotion to the Renault race team. Demonstrating his prowess on the track, he achieved significant milestones, breaking records as the youngest driver to win a pole position at the Malaysian Grand Prix and securing victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix, surpassing Bruce McLaren as the youngest F1 race winner. With four podium finishes, Alonso finished sixth in the World Drivers' Championship with 55 points.
Remaining with Renault for the 2004 season, Alonso showcased improvement with podium finishes and a pole position at the French Grand Prix. Although he didn't secure any race victories, his consistency earned him a fourth-place finish in the World Drivers' Championship with 59 points.


The pinnacle of Alonso's career with Renault came in 2005, where he engaged in a fierce battle for the World Championship against Kimi Räikkönen. Despite a less competitive car, Alonso's reliability and strategic prowess led him to become the youngest World Drivers' Champion, winning seven races and securing 133 points.


In 2006, Alonso signed a contract extension with Renault and faced tough competition from Michael Schumacher. Winning six of the first nine races, he ultimately secured his second consecutive World Championship, becoming Formula 1's youngest double World Champion.
Alonso's driving style has earned him acclaim as one of the greatest F1 drivers in history. Known for his speed, consistency, and ability to extract maximum performance from a car, Alonso's achievements with Renault laid the groundwork for a remarkable career in Formula One.

References;

1.  "Fernando Alonso signs to Aston Martin for 2023 on multi-year contract". formula1.com. 1 August 2022. Archived from the original on 1 August 2022. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
2. "Past Seasons - FIA World Endurance Championship". www.fiawec.com. Archived from the original on 4 April 2019. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
3. "Standings". Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website. Archived from the original on 28 October 2014. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
4.  Donaldson, Gerald. "Fernando Alonso – 2005, 2006". Formula1.com. Archived from the original on 3 May 2019. Retrieved 25 November 2019.
5. Jenkins, Chris (15 June 2005). "Alonso charges to top of F1". USA Today. p. 01C. Archived from the original on 5 August 2021. Retrieved 10 December 2019 – via Gale in Context: Biography.
6. Urruty, Martín (26 September 2005). "De plebeyo a rey; Cómo llegó Alonso a ser el campeón más joven de la historia" [From commoner to king; How Alonso became the youngest champion ever] (in Spanish). ESPN Deportes. Archived from the original on 14 July 2007. Retrieved 26 November 2019.
7. "Fernando Alonso logra su sueño a los 24 años" [Fernando Alonso achieves his dream at 24]. Las Provincias (in Spanish). 25 September 2005. Archived from the original on 25 March 2021. Retrieved 26 November 2019.
8. "Un chico reservado y buen estudiante" [A reserved boy and a good student]. Diario AS (in Spanish). 28 March 2003. Archived from the original on 5 August 2021. Retrieved 26 November 2019.

 THANKS FOR READING MY ARTICLE, SHARE YOUR THOUGTS ABOUT FERNANDO ALONSO!
#formula1 #f1 #driver #race #sports #car #carsports #fernandoalonso