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Fernando Alonso's F1 History: 2001-2023

Fernando Alonso, born on July 29, 1981, in Oviedo, Spain, is a Spanish racing driver who has competed in Formula One for over two decades. During his career, he has won two World Championships, numerous races, and become a fan favourite due to his impressive driving skills and his passion for the sport.

2001-2006: Minardi and Renault

Alonso made his Formula One debut in 2001, racing for Minardi. He quickly caught the attention of the paddock, showcasing his talent in a team with limited resources. In 2003, Alonso made a move to Renault, where he found his stride. He won his first Grand Prix in 2003 and went on to win back-to-back World Championships in 2005 and 2006.

2007: McLaren

In 2007, Alonso made a controversial move to McLaren, where he teamed up with rookie Lewis Hamilton. The season was marked by intense rivalry between the two drivers, and Alonso ultimately finished third in the championship.

2008-2009: Renault

After a tumultuous season with McLaren, Alonso returned to Renault in 2008. He had a successful season, finishing on the podium in several races. In 2009, he continued to race with Renault, but the team's performance was hampered by a lack of resources and Alonso finished the season in ninth place.

2010-2014: Ferrari

In 2010, Alonso made a move to Ferrari, where he found renewed success. He finished second in the championship in 2010 and 2012, and continued to race with the team until 2014.

2015-2018: McLaren

In 2015, Alonso made a return to McLaren, but the team's performance was hampered by a lack of resources and technical issues with their engine supplier, Honda. Despite the challenges, Alonso continued to showcase his talent, finishing in the top ten in several races.

2019-2020: Gap Year

In 2019, Alonso announced that he would be taking a break from Formula One to pursue other racing opportunities. During his gap year, he competed in the Dakar Rally and the Indy 500.

2021-2023: Alpine

In 2021, Alonso returned to Formula One, racing for Alpine (formerly Renault). He had a successful season, finishing in the top ten in several races and earning a podium finish at the Qatar Grand Prix. He continues to race with Alpine in 2022, showcasing that he is still a high performer on the track.

Why Fernando Alonso is a Fan Favourite

Alonso is known for his passionate and intense approach to racing, as well as his impressive driving skills. He is also a popular figure among fans due to his outspoken nature and his willingness to speak his mind on a variety of issues, both on and off the track. In addition to his success on the track, Alonso is also known for his humanitarian efforts. He is a supporter of the Save the Children Fund and has used his platform to raise awareness for social issues.

Records and Milestones

Alonso holds a number of records and milestones in Formula One, including the following: He is the only Spanish driver to have won the World Championship (2005, 2006). He is the fifth driver to have won the World Championship for two different teams (Renault and Ferrari). He is one of only three drivers to have won the Monaco Grand Prix twice in a row (2006-2007). He has won two of the three races to win the Triple Crown of Motorsport, which includes the Monaco Grand Prix, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the Indianapolis 500. Alonso still needs to win the Indianapolis 500. Alonso's achievements on the track have cemented his place as one of the greatest drivers in the history of Formula One.

Alonso's Performance in the Drivers' Championship (2017-2022)

The table below shows Alonso's performance in the Drivers' Championship from 2017 to 2022.

Year	Team Name	The Car Model	Points	Position
2017	McLaren Honda	MCL32	17	15th
2018	McLaren Renault	MCL33	50	11th
2019	McLaren Renault	MCL34	68	11th
2020	Renault	RS20	26	15th
2021	Alpine	A521	74	11th
2022*	Alpine	A522	19	TBD

*Data as of September 2023. Despite some challenging seasons in recent years, Alonso's talent and passion for the sport continue to make him a force to be reckoned with on the track. He remains a fan favourite and an inspiration to new generations of drivers and fans alike.