Fernando Alonso, one of the most prominent names in Formula 1, reached a historic milestone by adding 400 Grands Prix at the Mexico GP last weekend. His career began in 2001 and has been a journey marked by constant challenges, successes, and changes. Over these more than twenty years, Alonso has passed through different teams, technologies, and competition styles, adapting to new times and remaining competitive in one of the most demanding categories of motorsport.

Throughout the years, Alonso has developed a character that has made him not only a skilled and resilient driver but also a leader. Although his driving style has always been meticulous and effective, his ability to motivate those around him has been one of the most notable changes in his career, demonstrating a natural leadership on and off the track.

A PROMISING START

Alonso debuted in F1 with Minardi in 2001, but it was in 2003 with Renault that he began to show his true potential, his aggressiveness at the wheel, combined with an innate talent for fast corners and handling pressure at starts, made him an instant promise. It didn’t take long for him to show he had a winning mindset and was willing to push his skills to the limit.

In 2005 and 2006, Alonso reached his initial peak, becoming the youngest driver at the time to achieve two consecutive world championships. His success in this period cemented his image as one of the most skilled and promising drivers of the modern era. His driving style was then characterized by being incisive and aggressive, always taking advantage of overtaking opportunities and maximizing car performance.

YEARS OF ADAPTATION AND NEW CHALLENGES

With his departure from Renault in 2007, Alonso joined McLaren in a season that turned out to be one of the most complicated of his career, due to the rivalry with his teammate Lewis Hamilton and internal controversies within the team. However, Alonso continued to demonstrate precise driving technique and a unique ability to adapt to changing race circumstances. This phase was key in shaping his style and character on the track, solidifying him as a calculating and cerebral driver.

After a brief return to Renault and a crucial stint at Ferrari, the Spaniard established himself as an experienced driver, willing to face team and technology changes. At Ferrari, Alonso further refined his driving style, becoming a precision driver, able to extract the maximum performance from a car that was often behind its competitors. His ability to manage tires and maximize opportunities on every lap became one of his hallmarks.

THE RETURN TO MCLAREN AND TEMPORARY RETIREMENT

Alonso returned to McLaren in 2015, at a critical moment for the British team, with a car plagued by constant reliability issues and lack of power. Alonso remained steadfast, showing his resilience and ability to weather tough times. This period wasn’t the most successful in terms of results, but it highlighted his evolution as a resilient driver, willing to adapt to any circumstances.

Despite the difficulties, Fernando demonstrated a great capacity for endurance, a maturity that set him apart from his earlier years, and the ability to adapt to new F1 technologies. This experience led him to try his luck in other categories, such as IndyCar and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, broadening his skills and reinforcing his status as a complete and versatile driver. His driving style at this point reflected his experience, confident in his ability to manage complex situations and stay in the fight even in adverse conditions.

A NEW CHAPTER

In 2021, Alonso returned to F1 with Alpine, showing that he still had talent and a hunger for success. This new return led him to work with a mindset of precision, maximizing car performance in every corner and adapting to a constantly evolving environment, with hybrid systems and a greater focus on energy management. Then, in 2023, his move to Aston Martin marked the beginning of a new chapter. At 42 years old, Fernando remains a versatile driver, taking advantage of accumulated experience and adapting to an ever-evolving F1, where tire management, hybrid systems, and changes in aerodynamics are increasingly decisive.

Today, in addition to his versatility as a driver, Alonso has become a leader within the team. Through clear and motivating communication, he has learned to direct his messages effectively not only to engineers on the track but to an entire team of professionals working from the factory. This ability to inspire each team member and make them feel important to race success is an attribute he has acquired over the years and sets him apart among his peers.

FERNANDO ALONSO, ICONIC AND RESILIENT

Alonso has shown evolution not only as a driver but also as a person, while in his early days he stood out for his youth and explosive character, today he is a more calculating competitor who combines experience and skill. His ability to compete at the highest level over the years reflects his passion and determination. With 400 Grands Prix under his belt, Alonso has proven he is still one of the greats in Formula 1 and a true reference for future generations.

His driving style has evolved along with his on-track personality, from the bold young man unafraid to take risks to the experienced veteran who maximizes every opportunity. Fernando Alonso remains an exceptional driver, continuing to inspire new generations and writing a unique story in Formula 1.