By love-89.com At 43 years old, Fernando Alonso is set to make history at this weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix as he becomes the first driver to compete in 400 Formula One races. However, his fierce ambition has been both a blessing and a challenge throughout his career.
Alonso, racing for Aston Martin this season, is in his 21st year in F1, having debuted with Minardi back in 2001. He boasts an impressive record of 32 wins and two world championships, which he clinched in 2005 and 2006. Yet, despite his remarkable talent, he acknowledges that he could have achieved more, especially when reflecting on his near-championship opportunities since then.
When discussing the milestone of his 400th race, Alonso was candid about his aspirations, stating, “I would love to race half of the 400 and win one more championship, or win more races. That’s the important statistics you want to achieve.” His drive for excellence has been a defining characteristic, though it has occasionally led to difficulties in his relationships within teams.
Alonso’s first two championships were hard-fought victories, especially given he had to overcome the formidable Michael Schumacher at the height of his career. It seemed more titles were on the horizon, but they eluded him as fellow competitors like Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen continued to dominate the sport.
This weekend’s race isn’t just about Alonso, though. The practice sessions have seen their share of drama as well. George Russell faced another high-speed crash while championship leader Max Verstappen reported engine problems, leaving him unable to complete a timed lap. Russell’s incident led to a temporary halt in practice while he underwent a medical check, but he has since been cleared.
Verstappen is under scrutiny as well; if he must change his power unit before the season ends, he risks facing a grid penalty. Meanwhile, Lando Norris dealt with fallout from a penalty incurred at the US Grand Prix, as McLaren’s attempt to have the penalty overturned was rejected. The ongoing challenges illustrate the high-pressure environment of F1, where split-second decisions can drastically alter the championship landscape.
Alonso’s storied career is marked by moments of brilliance. From his unforgettable battles—like holding off Schumacher at Imola in 2005 to his stunning win from 11th on the grid in Valencia in 2012—he has showcased why he is considered one of the sport’s greats. But his competitiveness has often come with personal costs. His first stint at McLaren in 2007 ended tumultuously as he clashed with teammate Lewis Hamilton, a relationship that soured further under the pressure of competition.
After stints with Renault and Ferrari, where he again found himself in less than competitive situations, Alonso took a break to pursue other racing opportunities, such as the Le Mans 24 Hours and the Indy 500. He made a successful return to F1 in 2021 with Alpine, ultimately moving to Aston Martin in 2023. His resurgence this season, marked by multiple podium finishes, highlights his enduring talent and ambition.
Looking ahead, should Alonso continue with Aston Martin for the duration of his contract, he could be 45 by the time he races in his 450th event—a remarkable feat reminiscent of the legendary Graham Hill. Yet for Alonso, the focus remains on the present. He reflects on his journey by saying, “That guy in 2001, I was not really thinking too much in the future… I didn’t have a clear roadmap into my career. I was improvising, every weekend was a new adventure.”