Fernando Alonso
The only driver to hold both the F1 and World Endurance Championships.
Fernando Alonso is a Spanish racing driver who competes in Formula One for Aston Martin, having previously driven for Renault and Alpine. He secured two World Drivers' Championship titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006, becoming the first Spanish champion and the youngest in history at age 24. His career spans 23 seasons and includes 32 Grand Prix victories. After a brief retirement to focus on endurance racing with Toyota—where he won two Le Mans titles—he returned to Formula One in 2021 with Alpine, achieving his first podium in seven years. He later moved to Aston Martin for the 2023 campaign, finishing fourth in the standings.
- Status
- Active Driver
- Championships
- 2 (2005, 2006)
- Wins
- 32
- Podiums
- 106
- Pole Positions
- 22
- Fastest Laps
- 26
- Teams
- Minardi, Renault, McLaren, Ferrari, Alpine, Aston Martin
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Alonso's journey began in Oviedo, where he started karting at age seven after his father built a go-kart intended for his sister. Lacking funds for rain tires, he adapted to wet tracks on slicks while his mother sewed his overalls and his father managed his career. By 17, he won the 1999 Euro Open by Nissan with Campos Motorsport, securing six wins and nine poles. He progressed to International Formula 3000 in 2000 before joining Minardi for his 2001 F1 debut. After a non-scoring rookie year, he moved to Renault as a test driver in 2002. In 2003, he became the youngest polesitter and race winner in history at the Malaysian and Hungarian Grands Prix respectively. His 2005 title win came after winning seven races, defeating Kimi Räikkönen in a battle defined by new tire regulations that prohibited mid-race changes.
In Their Own Story
In 2010, Alonso joined Ferrari, finishing runner-up to Sebastian Vettel by just four points. He challenged for the championship again in 2012 and 2013, losing by three points on the latter occasion despite driving a third-placed car, the F138. Following a winless 2014 season under new engine regulations, he returned to McLaren in 2015 with Honda power, enduring limited success until his first retirement at the end of 2018. He immediately shifted to sportscar racing with Toyota, winning the FIA World Endurance Championship and two 24 Hours of Le Mans titles. His return to Formula One in 2021 with Alpine marked a new chapter; he recorded his first podium since 2014 at the Qatar Grand Prix. In 2024, he became the first driver to contest 400 Grands Prix.
Reader's Guide
Alonso's career is defined by longevity and versatility. He holds records for the most race starts (436 as of 2026) and has achieved 106 podiums. His technical adaptability was evident in his early days modifying kart pedals at age five and later mastering diverse machinery from Minardi to Toyota. Key turning points include his promotion to Renault's full-time seat in 2003, which launched his championship era, and his strategic pivot to endurance racing during his F1 hiatus. He won the controversial Singapore Grand Prix in 2008 and secured his 100th career podium at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in 2023. As of 2026, he is contracted with Aston Martin until at least the end of that season.
Did You Know?
- Alonso is the only driver to have won both the Formula One World Drivers' Championship and the World Sportscar/World Endurance Drivers' Championship.
- He became the first driver in history to contest 400 Grands Prix in 2024.
- His father rejected an offer for him to be a goalkeeper for RC Celta de Vigo so he could focus on karting.
- Alonso entered the Indianapolis 500 three times: in 2017, 2019, and 2020.
- He has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2005.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Fernando Alonso?
He is a Spanish racing driver widely regarded as one of the greatest competitors in Formula 1 history who won two titles with Renault before returning to Alpine.
What was Fernando Alonso's role at Alpine?
Alonso served as a lead race driver tasked with reviving the team's competitive spirit and challenging for podium finishes upon his return. He brought extensive experience to help develop the car during its rebranding phase.
How does Fernando Alonso's story end with Alpine?
His chapter with the team concluded at the end of the 2022 season, ending his second tenure with the organization. He departed to join a rival constructor for the subsequent campaign.
Why is Fernando Alonso important?
Alonso established the team's legacy by securing back-to-back championships during his first stint, creating a benchmark for future success. His later return highlighted the enduring connection between the driver and the blue and white heritage.
What major achievements did Fernando Alonso accomplish with this team?
During his initial period, the Spaniard claimed the Drivers' Championship in both 2005 and 2006 while driving for Renault. These victories remain the pinnacle of the organization's historical performance record.
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