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 and 2006 with Renault) with 32 Grand Prix victories across 22 seasons. Alonso has also excelled in endurance racing, winning the 2018–19 FIA World Endurance Championship and twice winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Toyota. He holds the unique distinction of being the only driver to have won both the Formula One World Drivers' Championship and the World Sportscar/World Endurance Drivers' Championship. Additionally, 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 of the Asturias and Galicia

In 1988, Alonso won the children's junior Championship of the Asturias and Galicia, marking his early success in kart racing.

1989: Won Children's Junior Championship of the Asturias and Galicia

In 1989, Alonso won the children's junior Championship of the Asturias and Galicia for the second consecutive year, demonstrating his early dominance in karting.

1990: Progressed to the Cadet class

In 1990, Alonso progressed to the Cadet class in kart racing, marking his continued advancement in the sport.

1990: Won Asturias and Basque Country Cadet Championship

In 1990, Alonso won the Asturias and the Basque Country Cadet Championship, showcasing his continued success in karting.

1991: Finished Second in Spanish Cadet National Championship

In 1991, Alonso finished second in the Spanish Cadet National Championship, highlighting his competitive performance at the national level.

1993: Joined Italian American Motor Engineering works team

In 1993, Alonso joined the Italian American Motor Engineering works team, marking a step in his karting career.

1995: Third at CIK-FIA Cadets' Rainbow Trophy

In 1995, Alonso was third at the Commission Internationale de Karting (CIK-FIA) Cadets' Rainbow Trophy, marking his entry into world championships.

1995: Won Third Successive Spanish Junior National Championship

In 1995, Alonso won his third successive Spanish Junior National Championship, solidifying his dominance in junior karting.

July 1996: World Karting Championship Victory

In July 1996, on July 14th, Alonso won the world karting championship using the number 14, solidifying it as his lucky number.

1996: Won Fourth Spanish Junior Karting Championship

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

1997: Took Italian and Spanish International A championships

In 1997, Alonso took the Italian and Spanish International A championships and was second in the European Championship with nine wins, the Masters Karting Paris Bercy and the Spanish Karting Championship.

December 1999: Tested F1 car

In December 1999, Cesare Fiorio gave Alonso a test in a Formula One (F1) 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 with teammates Antonio García, Salvi Delmuns, and Pedro Fermín Flores.

1999: Won Euro Open by Nissan

In 1999, Alonso won the Euro Open by Nissan.

2000: Left Institute Leopoldo Alas Clarín

In 2000, Alonso left the Institute Leopoldo Alas Clarín of San Lázaro during his University Orientation Course due to his motor racing career.

2000: Progressed to International Formula 3000 Championship

In 2000, Alonso progressed to the higher-tier International Formula 3000 Championship with the Minardi-backed Team Astromega, finishing second at the Hungaroring and winning the season-ending round at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps for fourth overall.

2000: Test and Reserve Driver for Minardi

In 2000, Alonso served as Minardi's test and reserve driver, preparing for a full-time racing role.

2001: Joined Minardi Race Team

In 2001, Alonso joined Minardi's race team, achieving a best result of tenth place in the German Grand Prix and finishing 23rd overall.

2001: Formula One Debut

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

2001: Won Race of Champions Nations' Cup

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

May 2002: Drove a Jaguar in an evaluation session

In May 2002, Alonso drove a Jaguar in an evaluation session against test drivers André Lotterer and James Courtney at the Silverstone Circuit.

2003: First Pole and Race Win

In 2003, Alonso secured his first pole position at the Malaysian Grand Prix and his first race win at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

2003: Promoted to Renault Race Team

In 2003, Alonso was promoted to the Renault race team, broke the record of youngest driver to win a pole position at the Malaysian Grand Prix, and broke Bruce McLaren's record as the youngest F1 race winner at the Hungarian Grand Prix. He finished sixth in the World Drivers' Championship.

2003: Sixth Place Finish

In 2003, Fernando Alonso finished sixth in the Drivers' Championship.

2004: Several Podium Finishes

During the 2004 campaign, Alonso achieved several podium finishes, marking an improvement in his performance.

2004: Improved Season with Renault

In 2004, Alonso remained with Renault and had an improved season, finishing the Australian Grand Prix in third position and taking three more podium finishes. He took pole position for the French Grand Prix and finished 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 to promote and defend children's rights and awareness of UNICEF.

April 2005: Contract Extension with Renault

In April 2005, Alonso signed a contract extension with Renault for 2006, being favored to retain the Drivers' Championship.

2005: Won World Championship

In 2005, Alonso stayed at Renault and dueled with McLaren driver Kimi Räikkönen for the World Championship, ultimately winning and eclipsing Emerson Fittipaldi as the youngest World Drivers' Champion. He achieved seven victories, six pole positions, and fourteen podium finishes.

2005: Won First World Title

In 2005, Alonso won his maiden title, becoming the first World Drivers' Champion from Spain and the youngest in Formula One history at the time.

2005: UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador

Since 2005, Alonso has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, contributing to humanitarian efforts.

November 2006: First Appearance for McLaren in Test Session

In November 2006, Alonso made his first appearance for McLaren in a test session at the Circuito de Jerez after his contract with Renault expired.

December 2006: Contract with McLaren

In December 2006, Alonso's contract with Renault expired and he signed with McLaren.

2006: Won Second F1 World Championship

In 2006, Alonso secured his second Formula One World Drivers' Championship title with Renault.

2006: Defended World Title

In 2006, Alonso successfully defended his title against Michael Schumacher, securing his second consecutive World Championship.

2006: Appointed Director of the GPDA

In 2006, Fernando Alonso was appointed director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) along with Mark Webber and Ralf Schumacher.

2007: Finished Third Overall with McLaren

In 2007, Alonso achieved four Grand Prix victories and finished the season third overall with McLaren, tying in points with Lewis Hamilton but losing on count-back.

2007: Moved to McLaren

In 2007, Alonso moved to McLaren, finishing one point behind champion Kimi Räikkönen amid inter-team tensions.

2007: Founded the Fundación Fernando Alonso

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

2008: Multiple Race Wins

In 2008, Alonso won multiple races, including the controversial Singapore Grand Prix, during his return to Renault.

2008: Featured on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list

In 2008, Fernando Alonso featured on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list, acknowledging his widespread fame and success.

2008: Joining Renault and season performance

In 2008, Fernando Alonso rejoined Renault on a two-year contract due to the manufacturer's long-term commitment to F1. Despite initial power deficiencies in his car, aerodynamic developments later allowed him to win in Singapore and Japan. He scored 61 points and finished fifth in the Drivers' Championship.

2009: Agreement with Ferrari

In 2009, Fernando Alonso agreed to drive for Ferrari, initially planned for 2011, but moved to 2010 after investigations into Renault.

2009: Resigning with Renault and season struggles

In 2009, Fernando Alonso re-signed with Renault on a two-year contract after offers from other teams. However, his car proved to be noncompetitive due to lacking a dual diffuser system. He achieved one podium finish at the Singapore Grand Prix and finished ninth in the Drivers' Championship with 26 points.

2009: Winless Season

The 2009 campaign proved to be a winless one for Alonso, despite his previous successes.

2010: Signed for Ferrari

In 2010, Alonso signed for Ferrari and finished runner-up to Sebastian Vettel.

2010: Ferrari debut and championship contention

In 2010, Fernando Alonso began driving for Ferrari and became a main championship contender. He won five races and led the championship going into the final race, but ultimately finished as runner-up to Sebastian Vettel after finishing seventh in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

2010: End of term as Director of the GPDA

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

2011: Single Victory with Ferrari

In 2011, Alonso achieved a single victory with Ferrari as Red Bull strengthened their dominance.

2011: First Agreement with Ferrari

In 2011, Alonso was supposed to begin driving for Ferrari based on an agreement made in 2009. However, the agreement was brought forward to 2010.

2011: Promoted India's efforts to eradicate polio

In 2011, Fernando Alonso promoted India's efforts to eradicate polio, contributing to global health initiatives.

June 2012: Listed as one of the world's highest-paid athletes by Forbes

In June 2012, Fernando Alonso was listed as one of the world's highest-paid athletes by Forbes. The magazine also named him motorsport's top-earning driver from June 2012 to June 2013.

2012: Runner-Up to Vettel Again

In 2012, Alonso once again finished runner-up to Vettel, highlighting a period of strong competition.

2012: Contract extension and championship battle

In 2012, Fernando 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 ultimately finished as runner-up to Sebastian Vettel for the second time in his career.

2012: Promoted handwashing with soap to school children

In 2012, Fernando Alonso promoted handwashing with soap to school children, supporting UNICEF's initiatives.

June 2013: Named motorsport's top-earning driver by Forbes

In June 2013, Forbes magazine named Fernando Alonso as motorsport's top-earning driver, continuing from June 2012.

2013: Highest Finish Since 2013

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

2013: Runner-Up to Vettel for Third Time

In 2013, Alonso finished runner-up to Vettel for the third time, marking another year of close competition.

2013: Championship Runner-Up

In 2013, Fernando Alonso drove an aggressively designed car, securing wins in China and Spain and consistently scoring points. However, he finished as runner-up for the third time in his career with 242 points.

2014: Ferrari Farewell Helmet

At the 2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Alonso's final event for Ferrari, he wore a helmet featuring a picture of a pit stop from that year, signatures from team members, and the Italian flag.

2014: Selection of Car Number 14

For the 2014 season, Alonso requested the number 14 for his F1 car, as it has been his lucky number since winning the world karting championship at age 14 on July 14, 1996.

2014: Struggles and Frustrations

In 2014, Fernando Alonso experienced a season without race wins due to his car being less powerful. He achieved a third-place finish in the Chinese Grand Prix and a second-place finish in the Hungarian Grand Prix but finished sixth in the Drivers' Championship with 161 points.

2014: Departure from Ferrari

In 2014, Fernando Alonso had disagreements with Ferrari's team principal and left the team after contract negotiations fell through.

2014: Podium Finish

In August 2021, Alonso scored his first podium since the 2014 Hungarian Grand Prix.

2014: Winless Season Amidst Engine Changes

The 2014 season was a winless one for Alonso amid new engine regulations, presenting new challenges.

June 2015: Opening of the Fernando Alonso Sports Complex and Museum

In June 2015, the Fernando Alonso Sports Complex, featuring a CIK-FIA compliant karting track, and the 'Museo y Circuito Fernando Alonso', showcasing Alonso's racing memorabilia, both opened in Oviedo.

2015: Returned to McLaren Under Honda Power

In 2015, Alonso returned to McLaren under Honda power, aiming for improved results.

2015: Intended establishment of Fernando Alonso Cycling Team

In 2015, Fernando Alonso intended to establish the Fernando Alonso Cycling Team to compete in UCI events, however, the project failed to materialise. He was also listed as one of the world's highest-paid athletes by Forbes.

2016: Season with Mclaren

In 2016, Fernando Alonso remained with McLaren despite the unreliable car. He missed the Bahrain Grand Prix due to injuries from a crash, but scored points in nine races and finished tenth in the Drivers' Championship with 54 points.

2016: End of Ferrari contract

In 2016, Fernando Alonso's contract with Ferrari came to an end.

2016: Named a top earning international star by Forbes

In 2016, Forbes named Fernando Alonso as one of the top earning international stars. He was also listed as one of the world's highest-paid athletes by Forbes.

October 2017: Contract extension with Mclaren

On October 19, 2017, Fernando Alonso signed a multi-year extension with McLaren following contract negotiations with the 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 after agreeing to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Toyota.

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, where he is the team principal and competes in virtual online racing championships.

November 2017: Supported UNICEF's anti-cyberbullying campaign

In November 2017, Fernando Alonso supported UNICEF's anti-cyberbullying campaign, showing his continued commitment to the organization.

2017: Entered Indianapolis 500

In 2017, Alonso entered the Indianapolis 500.

2017: First Fastest Lap Since 2017 Hungarian Grand Prix

In 2017, Alonso recorded his first fastest lap since the 2017 Hungarian Grand Prix at Zandvoort.

2017: Indianapolis 500 Entry

In 2017, Alonso seriously considered and decided to enter the Indianapolis 500 after Zak Brown suggested it, leading to discussions with IndyCar Series and Andretti Autosport to secure a Honda-powered car.

2017: End of McLaren contract

In 2017, Alonso's three-year contract with McLaren came to an end.

2017: Season with McLaren

In 2017, Fernando Alonso stayed at McLaren, but poor reliability affected his season. His best finish was a sixth place in the Hungarian Grand Prix, and he finished 15th in the Drivers' Championship with 17 points.

2017: Named one of the highest-paid international and European celebrities by Forbes

In 2017, Fernando Alonso was named one of the highest-paid international and European celebrities by Forbes. Alonso also featured on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list in 2017 and was listed as one of the world's highest-paid athletes.

January 2018: Agreement for FIA World Endurance Championship

In January 2018, McLaren and Toyota reached an agreement allowing Alonso to participate in 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 2019 IndyCar Series Entry

In August 2018, McLaren started planning Alonso's entry into the 2019 IndyCar Series with support from the series itself.

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 and participated in a 24-hour kart race for preparation.

2018: Sportscar Racing with Toyota

In 2018, Alonso moved into sportscar racing with Toyota, marking a shift in his career.

2018: 24 Hours of Daytona Race

In 2018, Alonso participated in the 24 Hours of Daytona, driving a Ligier JS P217 for United Autosports with Philip Hanson and Lando Norris. The team qualified 13th but finished 38th due to mechanical issues.

2018: Won FIA World Endurance Championship

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

2018: Final F1 Season with McLaren

In 2018, Fernando Alonso finished fifth at the Australian Grand Prix and took nine top-ten finishes. He left F1 at the end of the season, citing a perceived lack of on-track racing and the predictability of results.

2018: Listed as one of the world's highest-paid athletes by Forbes

In 2018, Fernando Alonso was listed as one of the world's highest-paid athletes by Forbes, marking the last year of his listing from 2012 to 2018.

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

In 2018, the FA Racing G2 Logitech G eSports racing team, which was established by Alonso in November 2017, was dissolved.

March 2019: Launched FA Racing and Veloce Esports partnership

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

March 2019: Seat Fitting at McLaren Technology Centre

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

April 2019: Tyre testing with Pirelli

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

2019: Lack of car development

In 2019, Alonso became increasingly annoyed with certain drivers, and his commitment to F1 waned after McLaren stopped developing their car to focus on 2019.

2019: Entered Indianapolis 500

In 2019, Alonso participated in the Indianapolis 500.

2019: Won 24 Hours of Daytona

In 2019, Alonso won the 24 Hours of Daytona with WTR.

2020: End of ambassador contract with McLaren

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

2020: 2020 Indianapolis 500

In 2020, Alonso entered the Indianapolis 500 with Arrow McLaren SP. He crashed during practice, qualified 26th, and finished 21st due to a clutch issue.

2020: Dakar Rally Participation

In 2020, Alonso participated in the Dakar Rally with Toyota, preceded by a five-month testing program and various races for preparation, finishing 13th overall with co-driver Marc Coma.

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 completed 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: Contract Extension

In August 2021, Fernando Alonso extended his contract for the 2022 season.

2021: Returned to Formula One with Alpine

In 2021, Alonso returned to Formula One with Alpine, recording his first podium in seven years.

2021: Vettel's podium at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix

In 2023, the success in Aston Martin's performance was stated to be comparable to Vettel's performance in the 2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

2022: Season with Alpine

During the 2022 season with Alpine, Alonso achieved his highest start in wet qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix, starting second. However, he faced questionable strategies and an engine issue, dropping to seventh and later ninth after a penalty.

2022: Record for Most Career Starts

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

2022: Contract Extended

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

2023: Moved to Aston Martin

In 2023, Alonso moved to Aston Martin, achieving several podiums and finishing fourth in the World Drivers' Championship. He also scored his 100th career podium at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

2023: Podium Finishes with Aston Martin

In 2023, on his Aston Martin debut at the Bahrain Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso finished in 3rd place, securing a podium finish. He finished in third again at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, marking his 100th podium, but a penalty initially dropped him to fourth before being reversed.