Alonso: 20 Years of the King of F1, Spanish Legend on the Track

Epic! Fernando Alonso, a name that resonates strongly in Formula 1, celebrated his first world championship two decades ago. On September 25, 2005, the Spanish driver, at only 24 years old, conquered the world of motorsport, marking a before and after in the history of this sport.

The Victory Cry: An Unforgettable Memory

That day, Alonso got into his blue and yellow Renault, and with his fists raised, let out a shout that was etched in everyone’s memory. A shout that, according to Alonso himself, is the most vivid memory of that triumph, even above the trophy and the celebrations.

“It was an incredible moment and emotion,” Alonso declared. “It was like a relief, a release of the pressure accumulated in the months before Brazil, because the championship was approaching, but you are never a hundred percent sure until it happens. So, when it happened, it was as if 20 years of my life were concentrated in those 10 seconds of celebration.”

Fernando Alonso

Alonso’s victory was not only a personal triumph, but also a milestone for Spain, a country with a strong tradition in the world of motorsports, especially in motorcycling. Alonso opened an unexplored path, demonstrating that a Spanish driver could reach the top of Formula 1.

That day, at Interlagos, Alonso was crowned champion with two races to spare, surpassing Kimi Räikkönen and marking the end of Michael Schumacher’s dominance.

A Legacy on the Track

Alonso’s career is an example of perseverance and talent. Considered one of the most complete drivers of the modern era, his legacy transcends numbers. His longevity in the sport and his passion for competition have led him to participate in various categories, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Dakar.

• Carlos Sainz, current Williams driver, was one of the young people inspired by Alonso.
• Flavio Briatore, former Renault director, knew how to recognize Alonso’s talent from the beginning.
• Ayao Komatsu, current Haas team director, highlighted Alonso’s ability to manage tires.
• Oscar Piastri, McLaren driver, admires Alonso’s talent.

The influence of Alonso on Spanish motorsport is undeniable, inspiring a new generation of drivers. Carlos Sainz, today Alonso’s teammate on the grid, recognizes Alonso’s importance in his career.”Fernando was greatly to blame for me falling in love with this sport, because I became a huge fan of his. I remember waking up every day and going with my father to tune into Formula 1, to watch all the free practices, all the qualifying sessions, all the races.”Alonso’s victory in 2005 marked a before and after for Formula 1 in Spain, and Sainz was able to share the track with his idol at the 2015 Spanish Grand Prix.

Flavio Briatore, who discovered Alonso, remembers how Formula 1 was not a popular sport in Spain before Alonso’s arrival. The Asturian changed that reality, becoming a national idol.Despite not having achieved any more titles since 2006, Alonso’s passion for competition remains intact. Currently, at 44 years old, the Asturian driver continues to compete in Aston Martin, with the hope of tasting the sweetness of victory again.Fernando Alonso’s legacy in Formula 1 is undeniable. His talent, perseverance, and passion for the sport have made him a legend. And although time will tell if he achieves more victories, his impact on motorsport is already written in golden letters.