Fernando Alonso

Fernando Alonso is a Spanish professional racing driver, born on July 29, 1981, in Oviedo, Asturias, Spain. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers of all time. Alonso began his professional career with Minardi before moving to Renault in 2003, where he won two Formula 1 World Championships.

Alonso is known for his exceptional driving skills, precision, courage, and versatility. He has won numerous awards and holds multiple records, such as being the youngest Formula 1 World Champion in history at the time.

Off the track, Alonso is also recognized for his philanthropy and influence, making significant charitable contributions and inspiring millions worldwide.

Minardi

• Early Career: Alonso began his Formula 1 career with Minardi in 2001, showcasing his talent in an uncompetitive car.

Renault (first stint)

• World Champion: Alonso moved to Renault in 2003, where he won his first World Championship in 2005, becoming the youngest champion in history at that time, and repeated the feat in 2006.

McLaren

• Challenging Times: Alonso joined McLaren in 2007, in a season marked by controversies and rivalries within the team. He returned to Renault for the 2008 and 2009 seasons.

Ferrari

• Close Calls: Alonso moved to Ferrari in 2010, finishing runner-up in the World Championship in 2010, 2012, and 2013.

McLaren (second stint)

• Tough Seasons: Alonso returned to McLaren in 2015, enduring several tough seasons with an uncompetitive car before retiring from Formula 1 at the end of 2018.

Alpine

• Return to Formula 1: In 2021, Alonso returned to Formula 1 with Alpine, formerly Renault, continuing his career into his forties with high expectations for success in his comeback.

Endurance Racing

• Le Mans: Alonso competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2018 and 2019, winning both times with Toyota.
• World Endurance Championship: Alonso also won the 2018-2019 FIA World Endurance Championship with Toyota.

IndyCar

• Alonso has competed in the Indianapolis 500 multiple times, seeking the unofficial 'Triple Crown of Motorsport': the Monaco Grand Prix, Le Mans, and the Indy 500.

• Driving Style: Alonso is known for his aggressive and uncompromising driving style, exceptional car control, and ability to extract the maximum performance from his car, regardless of its competitiveness.

• Family: Alonso is married to Linda Morselli. He has no children.
• Philanthropy: Alonso is involved in various charitable activities through his foundation, which supports children's education and promotes motorsport among young people.

• Fernando Alonso is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for his determination, resilience, and longevity in professional motorsport. His impact on the sport and his status as an icon extend beyond the track, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

Formula 1 World Championships:

• 2005, 2006 with Renault

24 Hours of Le Mans:

• 2018, 2019 with Toyota

FIA World Endurance Championship:

• 2018-2019 with Toyota

Other records:

• Youngest Formula 1 World Champion at the time (2005)
• One of only two drivers to have won the 'Triple Crown of Motorsport'

Books

• Jones, B. (2015) Fernando Alonso: The Father of Spanish Sport. London: Orion Publishing Group.
• Sutton, M. (2018) Fernando Alonso: The Rise of a Champion. New York: Icon Books.

Websites

• FIA: Information about Fernando Alonso’s international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.fia.com
• Formula 1: Details about Alonso’s career in Formula 1. Available at: https://www.formula1.com
• Ferrari: Official site with updates on Alonso’s performance and records at Ferrari. Available at: https://www.ferrari.com
• McLaren: Official site with updates on Alonso’s achievements at McLaren. Available at: https://www.mclaren.com
• 24 Hours of Le Mans: Updates and records of Alonso in the Le Mans race. Available at: https://www.24h-lemans.com

Articles

• ESPN: Fernando Alonso: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.espn.com
• The Guardian: Fernando Alonso’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/fernando-alonso

Interviews and Documentaries

• Fernando (2020): Directed by Laura Roux and Roger Pato. This documentary provides a detailed look at Alonso’s life and career, featuring interviews with his family, friends, and colleagues.
• Various interviews and features on Fernando Alonso, covering different aspects of his career. Available at: https://www.espn.com