A deafening roar, fists in the sky, and overflowing emotion. This is how Fernando Alonso was immortalized on September 25, 2005, when he was crowned Formula 1 world champion at just 24 years old. A milestone that marked a before and after in motorsport.The victory at Interlagos was enough for the Spanish driver to break the dominance of Michael Schumacher and Ferrari, who had reigned in the category for years. Today, two decades later, Alonso remembers that cry of jubilation with more clarity than the celebration itself.
“It was an incredible moment and emotion. From within, it was like a relief. A weight off the shoulders from so much pressure in the months leading up to Brazil, because the championship was getting closer and closer, but you’re never 100% sure until it happens. So when it happened, it was perhaps 20 years of my life concentrated in those 10 seconds of celebration,” Alonso declared.
Fernando Alonso
Alonso’s trajectory, marked by effort and perseverance, has kept him at the top of motorsports for years. His path to glory was not easy, but his innate talent and passion for racing drove him to break barriers and pave the way for new generations of Spanish drivers.
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Alonso looks back on every stage of his career, from his beginnings in karting to his challenges in Formula 1. The passion for the sport and the support of his family were fundamental pillars on his way to the top.
The discussion about Alonso’s legacy is a recurring theme. Considered one of the most complete drivers of the modern era, for many his talent has still not been fully recognized.
Time, a crucial factor in the life of Alonso, who continues to compete at 44 years old with Aston Martin. His commitment to the project led by Lawrence Stroll reflects his faith in the future of the team and his desire to continue competing.
Alonso’s victory in 2005 had a transformative impact on Spain, inspiring a new generation of drivers. Carlos Sainz, who shares the grid with his idol, acknowledges Alonso’s influence on his own career.
Sainz’s admiration for Alonso dates back to his childhood, when he became a fervent follower of the Asturian driver. Alonso’s victory in the world championship was a crucial moment that encouraged many young Spaniards to follow in his footsteps in the world of motorsport.
Flavio Briatore, Alonso’s former manager, highlights the impact of the driver in Spain, where Formula 1 was not a popular sport before his arrival. Briatore, who also played a key role in Schumacher’s success, recognizes Alonso’s innate talent and supported him from the beginning.
Despite a winless 2004, Alonso and Renault managed to prevail in 2005, solidifying the success of the Spanish driver. The battle with Schumacher in Imola and the victory in Interlagos are unforgettable moments in Alonso’s career.
Ayao Komatsu, current director of the Haas team, highlights Alonso’s ability to manage tires and extract maximum performance from his single-seater. Alonso’s ability to adapt to different situations and maximize his potential has made him a unique driver.
The fact that the 2005 championship represents half of Alonso’s titles in his career reflects the difficulty of achieving success in Formula 1. Despite not having won a championship since 2006 nor a race since 2013, Alonso remains a benchmark for many.
Oscar Piastri, McLaren driver, acknowledges Alonso’s talent and believes his results don’t fully reflect his worth. For those who have worked with him, Alonso possesses a special quality in his driving.
Alonso’s versatility is evident in his participation in other categories such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Dakar Rally. His success in different disciplines demonstrates his ability to adapt and compete at the highest level.
The lack of success of Alonso in F1 is attributed to various factors, such as bad luck, wrong decisions or problems with the cars. His forays into other competitions allowed him to demonstrate his talent and remain relevant.
Max Verstappen, another great admirer of Alonso, recognizes his passion for racing and his motivation to continue competing despite his age. Verstappen highlights Alonso’s ability to adapt and compete in different disciplines.Verstappen acknowledges that Alonso hasn’t had the right opportunities to win, but highlights his talent and impact on Formula 1. Alonso’s passion for racing continues to be a source of inspiration for many.
Briatore highlights Alonso’s dedication and his ability to work as a team. Alonso, like a “Rottweiler”, is always present and pushing to the maximum.
Alonso returned to Formula 1 with the goal of winning another championship. His arrival at Aston Martin and the imminent F1 regulation have awakened the hope of a new success.Time will tell if Alonso will manage to add more victories to his record. What is certain is that his legacy in motorsport is assured.
Alonso, despite not having achieved the expected success, feels satisfied with the legacy he will leave. His versatility and his ability to compete at the highest level in different categories make him a unique driver.
Alonso acknowledges that the memory of drivers is ephemeral, but hopes to be remembered as a complete driver, capable of competing at the highest level in different categories. His philosophical approach and his positive attitude towards life have made him an example for many.
Alonso, in his own words, summarizes his career and his desire to continue competing in Formula 1, hoping to have the opportunity to prove his worth once more.
