Fernando Alonso, the Spanish racing driver, is one of the most celebrated figures in Formula 1 history. Known for his tenacity, skill, and longevity in the sport, Alonso has carved out a legacy that spans over two decades. From his early beginnings in karting to his status as a two-time world champion, his journey is filled with fascinating milestones and quirks.
Here are 10 interesting facts about Alonso that showcase his remarkable career and personality.
1. A karting prodigy who started young
Fernando Alonso’s love for racing began at the tender age of three when his father, an amateur kart racer, built him a kart from scratch. Growing up in Oviedo, Spain, Alonso quickly showed promise, winning his first karting race at age seven. By 13, he had clinched the Spanish Junior Karting Championship, a title he defended for three consecutive years. His karting success was no fluke—Alonso’s natural talent and relentless work ethic caught the eye of scouts, paving the way for his eventual leap into single-seater racing.
2. Youngest Formula 1 World Champion (at the time)
In 2005, Alonso made history by winning his first Formula 1 World Championship with Renault at the age of 24 years and 58 days, becoming the youngest world champion in the sport’s history at that time. This record stood until it was broken by Lewis Hamilton in 2008 and later Sebastian Vettel in 2010. Driving the Renault R25, Alonso outmaneuvered the likes of Michael Schumacher and Kimi Räikkönen, ending Schumacher’s five-year reign as champion.
3. A master of consistency
One of Alonso’s defining traits as a driver is his remarkable consistency. Over his career, he has finished in the points in over 70% of the races he’s started—a staggering statistic in a sport where mechanical failures, crashes, and fierce competition can derail even the best drivers. His ability to extract the maximum from subpar machinery was especially evident during his stints with less competitive teams like Minardi and McLaren in its troubled Honda era.
4. The “Smooth Operator” before it was cool
Long before Carlos Sainz popularized the phrase “smooth operator,” Alonso was earning praise for his silky-smooth driving style. Unlike some drivers who rely on aggressive maneuvers, Alonso’s technique is characterized by precision and finesse. His ability to manage tire wear—a critical factor in modern Formula 1—has often given him an edge in races where strategy trumps raw pace. Commentators and engineers have lauded his almost telepathic connection with the car, a skill honed through years of experience and an uncanny feel for the limits of his machinery.
5. Two-time Le Mans winner and endurance racing star
Alonso’s ambition extends far beyond Formula 1. In 2018 and 2019, he won the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of motorsport’s most grueling endurance races, with Toyota Gazoo Racing. His victories made him one of the few drivers to conquer both Formula 1 and Le Mans, bringing him closer to the elusive “Triple Crown of Motorsport” (Monaco Grand Prix, Le Mans, and the Indianapolis 500).
6. A dramatic rivalry with Lewis Hamilton
The 2007 Formula 1 season remains one of the most talked-about chapters in Alonso’s career, thanks to his intense rivalry with then-rookie teammate Lewis Hamilton at McLaren. Both drivers were in contention for the title, but their relationship deteriorated amid accusations of favoritism and team politics. The tension boiled over during the Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying, where Alonso deliberately blocked Hamilton in the pits—an incident dubbed “Pitgate.” The drama contributed to McLaren losing the constructors’ championship due to the infamous “Spygate” scandal, and Alonso lost the drivers’ title by a single point to Kimi Räikkönen.
7. A passion for cycling and fitness
Off the track, Alonso is an avid cyclist, a passion that reflects his dedication to physical fitness. He’s often spotted riding in the mountains near his home in Switzerland or Spain, and he even founded his own cycling team, the Fernando Alonso Cycling Team, in 2015 (though it disbanded later due to sponsorship issues). His commitment to staying in peak physical condition has been a key factor in his ability to compete into his 40s in a sport that demands exceptional stamina and reflexes.
8. The magic of “plan”
Alonso’s fans affectionately refer to his strategic optimism as “The Plan.” This catchphrase emerged during his time with Ferrari (2010–2014), when he often spoke cryptically about his confidence in achieving success despite the team’s struggles. “The Plan” became a meme among Formula 1 enthusiasts, symbolizing Alonso’s unshakable belief in his abilities and his knack for turning challenging situations into opportunities.
9. A comeback king
After leaving Formula 1 at the end of the 2018 season, many assumed Alonso’s career in the sport was over. However, he staged a sensational return in 2021 with Alpine, the rebranded Renault team where he’d won his titles. At 39, he defied skeptics by scoring podiums and delivering standout performances, such as his heroic defense against Lewis Hamilton in the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix.
10. A philanthropist with a purpose
Beyond racing, Alonso has used his platform for good. In 2017, he founded the Fernando Alonso Foundation, which supports road safety initiatives and motorsport development for young drivers. His commitment to giving back stems from his own humble beginnings and a desire to inspire the next generation. Additionally, he’s auctioned off personal memorabilia—like helmets and race suits—to raise funds for charity.