Career Timeline of Fernando Alonso: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Fernando Alonso made an impact.

Fernando Alonso is a highly accomplished Spanish racing driver currently competing in Formula One for Aston Martin. He is a two-time Formula One World Drivers' Champion (2005, 2006), securing 32 Grand Prix victories over 22 seasons. Alonso has also achieved significant success in endurance racing, including winning the 2018-19 FIA World Endurance Championship and twice winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Toyota. He is the only driver to hold both the Formula One World Drivers' Championship and the World Sportscar/World Endurance Drivers' Championship titles, and he won the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2019.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1988: Won Children's Junior Championship

In 1988, Fernando Alonso won the children's junior Championship of the Asturias.

1989: Won Children's Junior Championship

In 1989, Fernando Alonso won the children's junior Championship of Galicia.

1990: Progressed to Cadet Class

In 1990, Fernando Alonso progressed to the Cadet class in kart racing.

1990: Won Karting Championship

In 1990, Fernando Alonso won the Asturias and the Basque Country Cadet Championship.

1991: Finished Second

In 1991, Fernando Alonso finished second in the Spanish Cadet National Championship.

1993: Joined Italian Team

In 1993, Fernando Alonso joined the Italian American Motor Engineering works team.

1995: Third at CIK-FIA Cadets' Rainbow Trophy

In 1995, Fernando Alonso finished third at the Commission Internationale de Karting (CIK-FIA) Cadets' Rainbow Trophy.

1995: Won Spanish Junior National Championship

In 1995, Fernando Alonso won the Spanish Junior National Championship.

July 1996: Karting Championship Victory

In July 1996, Alonso won his world karting championship while using the number 14.

1996: Won Karting Championships

In 1996, Fernando Alonso won his fourth Spanish Junior Karting Championship, the Trofeo Estival, the Marlboro Masters, and the CIK-FIA 5 Continents Juniors Cup at the Karting Genk.

1997: Karting Championships

In 1997, Fernando Alonso won the Italian and Spanish International A championships and was second in the European Championship, Masters Karting Paris Bercy and the Spanish Karting Championship.

December 1999: Tested Formula One Car

In December 1999, Cesare Fiorio gave Alonso a test in a Formula One car at the Circuito de Jerez.

1999: Sports Car Endurance Racing Debut

In 1999, Alonso made his sports car endurance racing debut at the 24 Hours of Barcelona, finishing third in the M10 class and tenth overall in a Hyundai Accent.

1999: Won Euro Open by Nissan

In 1999, at the age of 17, Alonso won the Euro Open by Nissan.

2000: International Formula 3000 Championship

In 2000, Alonso progressed to the International Formula 3000 Championship with Team Astromega, finishing fourth overall.

2000: Test and Reserve Driver

In 2000, Alonso was Minardi's test and reserve driver.

2000: Left School for Racing

In 2000, Fernando Alonso left the Institute Leopoldo Alas Clarín of San Lazaro during his University Orientation Course to focus on his motor racing career.

2001: Competed for Minardi

In 2001, Alonso competed for Minardi, with his best result being a tenth-place finish in the German Grand Prix.

2001: Formula One Debut with Minardi

In 2001, Alonso made his Formula One debut with Minardi at the Australian Grand Prix.

2001: Won Race of Champions Nations' Cup

In 2001, Alonso won the Race of Champions Nations' Cup.

2002: Renault Test Driver

In 2002, Alonso signed as Renault's test driver to familiarize himself with the team. He also tested a Jaguar at Silverstone in May 2002.

2003: Sixth Place Finish

In 2003, Alonso came sixth in the driver's championship, which would be his lowest placing until his ninth place finish in 2009.

2003: Joined Renault and Broke Records

In 2003, Alonso joined Renault and became the youngest polesitter at the Malaysian Grand Prix. He also became the youngest F1 race winner at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

2003: Promoted to Renault Race Team

In 2003, Alonso was promoted to the Renault race team. He broke the records of youngest driver to win a pole position and youngest F1 race winner.

2004: Several Podiums with Renault

In 2004, Alonso achieved several podium finishes during his campaign with Renault, finishing fourth overall.

2004: Continued with Renault

In 2004, Alonso remained with Renault, achieving several podium finishes and finishing fourth in the World Drivers' Championship.

February 2005: Named UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador

In February 2005, Fernando Alonso was named a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador by the UNICEF Spanish Committee.

April 2005: Contract extension with Renault

In April 2005, Fernando Alonso signed a contract extension with Renault for the 2006 season.

2005: Won Maiden Title

In 2005, Alonso secured his maiden Formula 1 title, becoming the first World Drivers' Champion from Spain and the youngest in Formula One history at that time, winning seven Grands Prix.

2005: Won World Championship with Renault

In 2005, Alonso stayed at Renault and won the World Championship, becoming the youngest World Drivers' Champion at the time. He had seven victories, six pole positions and fourteen podium finishes.

2005: Won First F1 World Championship

In 2005, Fernando Alonso won his first Formula One World Drivers' Championship title with Renault.

2005: UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador

Since 2005, Alonso has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

November 2006: First Appearance for McLaren

In November 2006, Renault allowed Alonso to make his first appearance for McLaren in a test session at the Circuito de Jerez.

December 2006: Ended Contract with Renault

On December 31, 2006, Fernando Alonso's contract with Renault expired.

2006: Defended F1 Title

In 2006, Alonso successfully defended his Formula 1 title against Michael Schumacher.

2006: Won Second World Championship

In 2006, Alonso won his second Formula 1 World Championship, becoming the youngest double World Champion. He won the Japanese Grand Prix after Michael Schumacher retired and finished second at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

2006: Appointed director of the GPDA

In 2006, Fernando Alonso was appointed director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA).

2007: Drove for McLaren

In 2007, Alonso drove for McLaren, securing four Grand Prix victories. He finished third overall in the championship.

2007: Founded the Fundaciu00f3n Fernando Alonso

In 2007, Fernando Alonso founded the Fundaciu00f3n Fernando Alonso to promote motor racing and road safety education.

2008: Rejoins Renault

In 2008, Alonso rejoined Renault on a two-year contract, rejecting offers from several other teams. Despite early car issues, aerodynamic developments later in the season helped him win the Singapore and Japan races. He finished fifth in the Drivers' Championship with 61 points.

2008: Multiple Wins with Renault

In 2008, Alonso returned to Renault and secured multiple race wins, including the controversial Singapore Grand Prix.

2009: Agreement to drive for Ferrari

In 2009, Alonso initially agreed with Ferrari to drive for them, but the move was delayed due to contract extensions of other drivers.

2009: Re-signs with Renault, struggles with car performance

In 2009, Alonso re-signed with Renault on a two-year contract, despite offers from Red Bull Racing and Honda. His car lacked performance, and he only managed one podium finish, a third-place at the Singapore Grand Prix. He finished ninth in the Drivers' Championship with 26 points.

2010: Drives for Ferrari

In 2010, Alonso began driving for Ferrari, after an agreement was reached mid-2009 and accelerated due to circumstances with Renault. He won five races and led the championship going into the final race, finishing runner-up to Sebastian Vettel.

2010: End of directorship of the GPDA

In 2010, Fernando Alonso's tenure as director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) concluded.

2011: Competition with Hamilton, Button, Vettel and Webber

In 2011, Alonso competed with Hamilton and Button from Mclaren, and Vettel and Webber from Red Bull for the championship.

2011: Single Victory with Ferrari

In 2011, Alonso secured a single victory with Ferrari, as Red Bull consolidated their advantage.

2011: Wins British Grand Prix

In 2011, Alonso's season was mixed. He won the British Grand Prix after a strategy error from Red Bull, secured ten podium finishes, and finished fourth overall in the Drivers' Championship with 257 points.

2011: Promoted India's efforts to eradicate polio

In 2011, Fernando Alonso promoted India's efforts to eradicate polio.

2012: Extends Ferrari contract and finishes runner-up

In 2012, Alonso extended his contract with Ferrari until 2016. He built a 40-point lead in the Drivers' Championship with wins in Malaysia, Valencia and Germany but finished as runner-up to Vettel on 278 points after a series of setbacks.

2012: Runner-up to Vettel Again

In 2012, Alonso finished runner-up to Vettel for the second time, driving for Ferrari.

2012: Promoted handwashing with soap to school children

In 2012, Fernando Alonso promoted handwashing with soap to school children.

2013: Highest Finish Since 2013

In 2013, Alonso achieved his highest finish in the standings since then, ending the season in fourth position.

2013: Finished Runner-up Again

In 2013, Alonso finished runner-up to Vettel again, driving the F138 for Ferrari.

2013: Second in the Drivers' Championship

In 2013, Alonso won in China and Spain, consistently scoring points. He finished second in the Drivers' Championship for the third time in his career with 242 points.

2014: Request for Car Number 14

For the 2014 season, Alonso requested the number 14 as his specific car number, as it has been his lucky number since his karting championship victory in 1996.

2014: No Race Wins, Sixth in Drivers' Championship

In 2014, Alonso did not achieve any race wins, although he finished third in the Chinese Grand Prix and second in the Hungarian Grand Prix. He ended the season sixth in the Drivers' Championship with 161 points.

2014: Third-place finish at Qatar

In August 2021, his third-place finish at Qatar was his first podium finish since the 2014 Hungarian Grand Prix.

2015: Returned to McLaren

In 2015, Alonso returned to McLaren under Honda power, with limited success.

2015: Intention to establish Fernando Alonso Cycling Team

In 2015, Fernando Alonso intended to establish the Fernando Alonso Cycling Team to compete in UCI events, but the project failed to materialise.

2016: Contract with Ferrari

In 2012, Alonso extended his contract with Ferrari until 2016.

2016: Misses Bahrain Grand Prix, two fifth-place finishes

In 2016, Alonso missed the Bahrain Grand Prix due to injuries sustained in a crash at the Australian Grand Prix. He achieved two fifth-place finishes during the season and finished tenth in the Drivers' Championship with 54 points.

October 2017: Signs Multi-Year Extension with McLaren

On October 19, 2017, Alonso signed a multi-year extension with McLaren following negotiations with CEO Zak Brown.

November 2017: Seat Fitting in TS050 Hybrid

In November 2017, Alonso visited Toyota's factory in Cologne for a seat fitting in a TS050 Hybrid and entered a post-season rookie test at the Bahrain International Circuit.

November 2017: Established FA Racing G2 Logitech G eSports racing team

In November 2017, Fernando Alonso established the FA Racing G2 Logitech G eSports racing team, serving as team principal.

November 2017: Supported UNICEF's anti-cyberbullying campaign

In November 2017, Fernando Alonso supported UNICEF's anti-cyberbullying campaign.

2017: Three-year contract

In 2014 Alonso had a three-year contract from 2015 to 2017 with no opt-out clauses.

2017: Entered Indianapolis 500

In 2017, Alonso entered the Indianapolis 500.

2017: Poor reliability affects the season

In 2017, Alonso stayed at McLaren. Poor reliability affected his season. His best finish was sixth place in the Hungarian Grand Prix. After three consecutive top-ten finishes, Alonso finished 15th in the Drivers' Championship with 17 points.

2017: Australian Grand Prix, Fastest Lap Since 2017 Hungarian Grand Prix

In 2017, at the Australian Grand Prix, Alonso finished third after a chaotic race. He later recorded his first fastest lap since the 2017 Hungarian Grand Prix at Zandvoort.

2017: Consideration and Planning for Indianapolis 500 Entry

In 2017, discussions began for Alonso to enter the Indianapolis 500, leading to arrangements with Andretti Autosport after initial conversations with Zak Brown. Alonso expressed enthusiasm for the idea, considering it beneficial for himself, F1, and the fans.

January 2018: Agreement to Enter FIA World Endurance Championship

In January 2018, McLaren and Toyota reached an agreement to allow Alonso to enter the full 2018–19 FIA World Endurance Championship, joining Sébastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima in Toyota's No. 8 TS050 Hybrid.

August 2018: Planning for IndyCar Series Entry

In August 2018, McLaren began planning an entry for Alonso in the 2019 IndyCar Series with support from the series.

2018: 24 Hours of Daytona Participation

In 2018, Alonso drove a Ligier JS P217 entered by United Autosports in the 24 Hours of Daytona, finishing 38th after mechanical issues.

2018: Three-Day Test Session at Ciudad del Motor de Aragón

In 2018, Alonso drove a TS050 Hybrid in a three-day test session at the Ciudad del Motor de Aragón in February and drove with no artificial lights in a 24-hour kart race as preparation.

2018: Final season, dissatisfaction with F1

In 2018, Alonso had nine top-ten finishes, but became increasingly annoyed with certain drivers and the predictability of results. He left F1 as a driver at the end of the season, finishing 11th in the Drivers' Championship with 50 points.

2018: Moved to Sportscar Racing

In 2018, Alonso moved into sportscar racing with Toyota, winning the FIA World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice.

2018: Won FIA World Endurance Championship

In 2018, Fernando Alonso won the FIA World Endurance Championship with Toyota.

2018: Dissolution of FA Racing G2 Logitech G eSports racing team

In 2018, the FA Racing G2 Logitech G eSports racing team dissolved.

March 2019: Launched FA Racing Veloce Esports in partnership

In March 2019, Fernando Alonso launched another eSports team in partnership with FA Racing and Veloce Esports.

March 2019: Seat Fitting for Indianapolis 500

In early March 2019, Alonso visited the McLaren Technology Centre for a seat fitting to become comfortable in the No. 66 Dallara IR18-Chevrolet for the upcoming Indianapolis 500.

April 2019: Pirelli tyre test

In April 2019, Alonso drove the MCL34 during a two-day Bahrain test to develop tyres for Pirelli.

2019: Entered Indianapolis 500

In 2019, Alonso entered the Indianapolis 500.

2019: 24 Hours of Daytona Win

In 2019, Alonso returned to race in the 24 Hours of Daytona with Wayne Taylor Racing, sharing a Cadillac DPi-V.R and winning the rain-shortened event.

2019: LMP1 Drivers' Championship Win

In 2019, Alonso, alongside Sébastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima, won the LMP1 Drivers' Championship, including the 2018 and 2019 24 Hours of Le Mans victories.

2019: Won 24 Hours of Le Mans and Daytona

In 2019, Fernando Alonso won the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Toyota for the second time and also won the 24 Hours of Daytona with WTR.

2020: McLaren contract expires

At the end of 2019, Alonso's ambassador contract with McLaren expired and was not renewed for 2020.

2020: Dakar Rally Participation

In 2020, Alonso entered the Dakar Rally with Toyota after a five-month testing program. He finished the rally in 13th position, with a best stage finish of second place.

2020: Indianapolis 500 Participation

In 2020, Alonso entered the Indianapolis 500 with Arrow McLaren SP, qualifying 26th and finishing 21st due to a clutch issue.

2020: Entered Indianapolis 500

In 2020, Alonso entered the Indianapolis 500.

2020: Sponsored by Ruoff Mortgage for Indianapolis 500 attempt

In 2020, Ruoff Mortgage sponsored Fernando Alonso for his Indianapolis 500 attempt.

2020: Testing with Renault

In preparation for his F1 return, Alonso performed four testing days driving the Renault R.S.18 and was quickest in the post-2020 season young driver's test driving the Renault R.S.20 for Renault.

August 2021: Extends contract for 2022 season

In August 2021, Alonso invoked an option to extend his contract for the 2022 season with Alpine.

2021: Returned to Formula One with Alpine

In 2021, Alonso returned to Formula One with Alpine, achieving his first podium in seven years at the Qatar Grand Prix.

2021: Signs with Alpine F1 Team

In 2021, Alonso signed to drive for Alpine F1 Team alongside Esteban Ocon. During the 2021 Bahrain Grand Prix, he was forced to retire after plastic debris entered his brake duct.

2021: Vettel's Podium

In the 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix, Alonso's podium finish was Aston's first since Sebastian Vettel's podium at the 2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

2022: Highest Start for Alpine, Canadian Grand Prix

During the 2022 season, Alonso remained with Alpine. In wet qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix, Alonso achieved his highest start driving for Alpine, starting in second. He finished ninth after strategies and a time penalty.

2022: Record for Most Career Starts

In 2022, Alonso broke the record for most career starts in Formula One.

2022: Contract extension

In August 2021, Alonso invoked an option to extend his contract for the 2022 season.

2023: Podium Finishes with Aston Martin

In 2023, Alonso achieved podium finishes at the Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The second one marked his 100th podium, making him the sixth driver to have scored 100 podiums in his career.