Full History Of Fernando Alonso In Timeline From 1979

1979: Jody Scheckter's Criticism

In 1979, Jody Scheckter criticized Alonso for causing problems in teams.

July 1981: Fernando Alonso Born

In July 1981, Fernando Alonso was born to a working-class family in Oviedo, Asturias, Northern Spain.

1985: Started Primary School

In 1985, Fernando Alonso began his education at the Holy Guardian Angel Primary School in Oviedo.

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 Asturias and Basque Country Cadet Championship

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

1991: Finished Second in Spanish Cadet National Championship

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

1993: Joined Italian American Motor Engineering Works Team

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

1995: Won Spanish Junior National Championships

From 1993 to 1995, Fernando Alonso won three successive Spanish Junior National Championships, with the last one happening in 1995.

1995: Finished Primary School

In 1995, Fernando Alonso completed his primary education at the Holy Guardian Angel Primary School.

1995: Third at CIK-FIA Cadets' Rainbow Trophy

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

July 1996: Karting Victory with Number 14

In July 1996, Fernando Alonso won a world karting championship at the age of 14, using kart number 14.

1996: Won Multiple 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: Took Italian and Spanish International A championships

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

December 1999: Tested Formula One Car

In December 1999, Fernando Alonso tested 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.

1999: Car Racing Debut

In 1999, Fernando Alonso made his car racing debut in the Euro Open by Nissan and won the title.

1999: Won Euro Open by Nissan

In 1999, Fernando Alonso won the Euro Open by Nissan racing title.

2000: Competed in International Formula 3000 Championship

In 2000, Fernando Alonso finished fourth in the International Formula 3000 Championship.

2000: Left Institute Leopoldo Alas Clarín

In 2000, Fernando Alonso left the Institute Leopoldo Alas Clarín due to his motor racing career.

2000: Minardi's Test and Reserve Driver

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

2001: Debut in Formula One with Minardi

In 2001, Fernando Alonso debuted in Formula One with Minardi.

2001: Joined Minardi's Race Team

In 2001, Fernando Alonso joined Minardi's race team and finished tenth in the German Grand Prix.

2001: Won Race of Champions Nations Cup

In 2001, Fernando Alonso won the Race of Champions Nations Cup for Team Spain.

2001: Helmet by Bieffe

In 2001, Fernando Alonso's helmet was manufactured by Bieffe.

May 2002: Drove a Jaguar in an evaluation session

In May 2002, Fernando Alonso drove a Jaguar in an evaluation session at the Silverstone Circuit.

2002: Joined Renault as a test driver

In 2002, Fernando Alonso joined Renault as a test driver.

2003: Lowest Placing Since 2003

In 2003, Alonso came sixth, maintaining his reputation as one of F1's best drivers. In 2009, he placed ninth in the Drivers' Championship, his lowest placing since 2003.

2003: Autosport Gregor Grant Award and Princess Cristina National Sports Award

In 2003, Alonso received the Autosport Gregor Grant Award for winning the 2003 Hungarian Grand Prix and the Princess Cristina National Sports Award for sporting newcomer.

2003: Promoted to Renault Race Seat

In 2003, Fernando Alonso was promoted to a race seat with Renault.

2003: Promoted to Renault Race Team and Won Hungarian Grand Prix

In 2003, Fernando Alonso was promoted to the Renault race team, broke the record of youngest pole position at the Malaysian Grand Prix, and won the Hungarian Grand Prix.

2003: Helmet by Arai

In 2003, Fernando Alonso's helmet was manufactured by Arai.

2004: Drove for Renault

In 2004, Fernando Alonso drove for Renault and finished fourth in the World Drivers' Championship.

February 2005: Appointment as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador

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

April 2005: Lorenzo Bandini Trophy

In April 2005, Alonso was named the recipient of the Lorenzo Bandini Trophy.

April 2005: Contract extension with Renault

In April 2005, Fernando Alonso signed a contract extension with Renault.

October 2005: Prince of Asturias Award for Sports

In October 2005, Alonso received the Prince of Asturias Award for Sports.

2005: Won First F1 World Championship

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

May 2006: Premios Nacionales del Deporte Sportsman of the Year Award and Gold Medal of the Royal Order of Sports Merit

From October 2005 to May 2006 Alonso received the Premios Nacionales del Deporte Sportsman of the Year Award and the Gold Medal of the Royal Order of Sports Merit for winning the 2005 F1 World Championship.

November 2006: First appearance for McLaren

In November 2006, Fernando Alonso made his first appearance for McLaren in a test session at the Circuito de Jerez.

November 2006: Marriage to Raquel del Rosario

In November 2006, Fernando Alonso married Raquel del Rosario, the lead singer of El Sueño de Morfeo.

December 2006: Contract with Renault Expired

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

2006: F. Alonso

In 2006 F. Alonso

2006: Won Second F1 World Championship

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

2006: Appointment as GPDA Director

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

2006: Autosport International Racing Driver of the Year

In 2006, Fernando Alonso was named the Autosport International Racing Driver of the Year.

2007: Founding of the Fundación Fernando Alonso

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

2007: Drove for McLaren

In 2007, Fernando Alonso drove for McLaren, achieving four Grand Prix victories.

2008: Helmet with Spade, Ace and Heart Symbols

In 2008, Alonso attached two pictures of a spade, ace and heart symbol to his helmet to show he was a two-time world champion.

2008: Forbes Celebrity 100 List

In 2008, Alonso featured on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list.

2008: Rejoined Renault

In 2008, Fernando Alonso rejoined Renault, winning in Singapore and Japan.

2009: Agreement with Ferrari

In 2009, Alonso initially agreed to drive for Ferrari, but the contracts of Massa and Räikkönen were extended. He later secured a mid-2009 agreement to drive for Ferrari from 2011, moved to 2010.

2009: Renault Re-Signs Alonso

In 2009, Alonso re-signed with Renault on a two-year contract after offers from Red Bull Racing and Honda.

2009: Drove for Renault

In 2009, Fernando Alonso continued to drive for Renault.

2009: Helmet by Arai

In 2009, Fernando Alonso's helmet was manufactured by Arai.

2010: Drove for Ferrari

From 2010, Fernando Alonso drove for Ferrari, finishing runner-up in the championship.

2010: Joins Ferrari and Finishes Runner-Up

In 2010, Alonso drove for Ferrari after an agreement was moved forward due to investigations into Renault. He finished runner-up to Vettel in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

2010: Popularity in Fan Surveys

In 2010, Alonso was within the top two most popular drivers in the Grand Prix Drivers' Association fan surveys.

2010: Helmet by Schuberth

In 2010, Fernando Alonso's helmet was manufactured by Schuberth.

2010: End of GPDA Directorship

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

December 2011: Divorce from Raquel del Rosario

In December 2011, Fernando Alonso's marriage to Raquel del Rosario ended.

2011: Future agreement with Ferrari

In 2009, Alonso obtained a mid-2009 agreement to drive for Ferrari from 2011 on but it was moved to 2010

2011: Mixed Season with Ferrari and British Grand Prix Win

In 2011, Alonso had a mixed season with Ferrari, securing ten podium finishes including a win at the British Grand Prix. He finished fourth overall in the Drivers' Championship.

2011: Cars 2 Voice Cameo

In 2011, Alonso made a voice cameo appearance as an anthropomorphic version of himself in the Spanish dub of Cars 2.

2011: Promotion of Polio Eradication

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

2011: Gold and White Helmet

In 2011, for three successive Monaco Grand Prix and the Singapore Grand Prix, Alonso wore a gold and white colored helmet to replace the blue and yellow.

June 2012: Top-Earning Driver

From June 2012 to June 2013, Forbes named Fernando Alonso motorsport's top-earning driver.

2012: Contract Extension and Championship Runner-Up

In 2012, Alonso extended his contract with Ferrari until 2016 and finished as runner-up in the Drivers' Championship for the second time.

2012: Promotion of Handwashing with Soap

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

2012: Runner-up with Ferrari

In 2012, Fernando Alonso finished runner-up in the Formula One World Championship while driving for Ferrari.

June 2013: Top-Earning Driver

From June 2012 to June 2013, Forbes named Fernando Alonso motorsport's top-earning driver.

2013: Highest Finish Since 2013

After a seventh-place finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Alonso ended the season fourth in the standings, scoring 206 points against his teammate Stroll's 74. Alonso's fourth position in the standings was his highest finish since 2013.

2013: Second Place Finish

In 2013, Alonso finished second for the third time in his career with 242 points, driving an aggressively designed car and winning in China and Spain. His relationship with Ferrari cooled.

2013: Runner-up with Ferrari

In 2013, Fernando Alonso finished runner-up in the Formula One World Championship while driving for Ferrari.

2013: White Helmet

In 2013, at the Indian Grand Prix, Alonso sported a white helmet to celebrate his total number of career points scored up to the preceding Japanese Grand Prix of 1571 and with the words "F1 points World Record".

2014: Final Year with Ferrari

2014 marked Fernando Alonso's final year driving for Ferrari.

2014: Ferrari Farewell Helmet

At the 2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, his final event for Ferrari, Alonso wore a helmet depicting a pit stop in that year in red, with signatures of team members and the Italian flag.

2014: Request for Car Number 14

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

2014: Podium Finish Since 2014

His third-place finish at Qatar was his first podium finish since the 2014 Hungarian Grand Prix.

2014: No Race Wins, Sixth in Championship

In 2014, Alonso achieved no race wins due to a less powerful car but took third in the Chinese Grand Prix and second in the Hungarian Grand Prix. He finished sixth in the Drivers' Championship.

February 2015: Accident in Pre-Season Testing

In February 2015, Alonso sustained a concussion during a pre-season test session in Spain and missed the Australian Grand Prix.

June 2015: Opening of the Fernando Alonso Sports Complex

In June 2015, the Fernando Alonso Sports Complex in Oviedo opened, featuring a CIK-FIA compliant karting track.

2015: Blocked entry to 24 Hours of Le Mans

Alonso was due to enter the 2015 24 Hours of Le Mans with Porsche's Le Mans Prototype 1 team before Honda blocked it.

2015: Engagement to Lara Álvarez

In 2015, Alonso became engaged to Spanish television presenter Lara Álvarez.

2015: Failed Cycling Team Project

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

2015: Personality Media's Favourite Male Athlete

In 2015, Alonso was Personality Media's favourite male athlete with a 99 per cent recognition rating amongst the Spanish public.

2015: Second Stint with McLaren

In 2015, Fernando Alonso began his second stint with McLaren, this time with Honda engines.

2015: Helmet by Schuberth

In 2015, Fernando Alonso's helmet was manufactured by Schuberth.

2016: Contract Extension until 2016

Ahead of 2012, Alonso extended his contract with Ferrari until 2016.

2016: Injuries and Top-Ten Finishes

In 2016, Alonso missed the Bahrain Grand Prix due to injuries from a crash in Australia. He scored points in nine races, finishing tenth in the Drivers' Championship.

2016: Engagement to Lara Álvarez ended

In 2016, Fernando Alonso and Lara Álvarez ended their engagement.

2016: Helmet by Arai

In 2016, Fernando Alonso's helmet was manufactured by Arai.

2016: Forbes' Top Earning International Stars

In 2016, Forbes listed Alonso as one of the top earning international stars.

October 2017: Multi-Year Extension with McLaren

On 19 October 2017, Alonso signed a multi-year contract extension with McLaren.

November 2017: Support for UNICEF's Anti-Cyberbullying Campaign

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

November 2017: Establishment of FA Racing G2 Logitech G eSports Team

In November 2017, Fernando Alonso established the FA Racing G2 Logitech G eSports racing team, competing in virtual online racing championships.

November 2017: Seat Fitting and Rookie Test

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

2017: Rejoined Mclaren on a three-year contract

Alonso rejoined McLaren on a three-year contract from 2015 to 2017 with no opt-out clauses.

2017: Black Helmet at Indianapolis 500 and United States Grand Prix

At the 2017 Indianapolis 500 and the United States Grand Prix, Alonso sported a black helmet with red, yellow, and blue stripes, and his race number.

2017: Cars 3 Voice Command Assistant

In 2017, Alonso made a voice cameo appearance as a voice command assistant in the Spanish dub of Cars 3.

2017: Poor Reliability and Best Finish

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

2017: Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year

In 2017, Alonso was voted the Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year for his performance in the race.

2017: Popularity in Fan Surveys

In 2017, Alonso was within the top two most popular drivers in the Grand Prix Drivers' Association fan surveys.

2017: Entered Indianapolis 500

In 2017, Fernando Alonso first entered the Indianapolis 500.

2017: Helmet by Bell

In 2017, Fernando Alonso's helmet was manufactured by Bell.

2017: Forbes' Highest-Paid Celebrities

In 2017, Forbes listed Alonso as one of the highest-paid international and European celebrities. Alonso also featured on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list in 2008 and 2017.

2017: Indianapolis 500 Entry

In 2017, Zak Brown suggested Alonso should enter the Indianapolis 500. Alonso agreed and after discussions with McLaren and IndyCar Series officials, a plan was formed for Alonso to drive an Andretti Autosport car, facilitated by Stefan Wilson.

2017: First Fastest Lap Since 2017

It was at this point in time the car had dropped in performance, failing to secure podiums on a consistent basis, though he took two podium finishes at Zandvoort, where he recorded his first fastest lap since the 2017 Hungarian Grand Prix

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. He joined Sébastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima in Toyota's No. 8 TS050 Hybrid.

August 2018: Planning for 2019 IndyCar Series Entry

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

2018: Retired from Formula One

At the end of 2018, Fernando Alonso retired from Formula One.

2018: Listed as One of the World's Highest-Paid Athletes

From 2012 to 2018, Alonso was listed as one of the world's highest-paid athletes by Forbes. The magazine named him motorsport's top-earning driver from June 2012 to June 2013, one of 2016's top earning international stars, and one of 2017's highest-paid international and European celebrities. Alonso also featured on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list in 2008 and 2017.

2018: Helmet Livery Change

In 2018 Alonso changed its front livery to be predominantly blue with the back top lighter blue and the rear red and yellow. His helmet for the 2018 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was divided equally between the flag of Spain on the right with a blue-checkered pattern around its side.

2018: 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 prepared by participating in a 24-hour kart race.

2018: 24 Hours of Daytona

In 2018, Alonso drove in the 24 Hours of Daytona, finishing 38th after mechanical issues.

2018: Final Season as a Driver

In 2018, Alonso had nine top-ten finishes and finished 11th in the Drivers' Championship. He left F1 at the end of the season, citing lack of on-track racing and predictability.

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 Team

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

March 2019: Launch of FA Racing Veloce Esports

In March 2019, Alonso launched FA Racing Veloce Esports in partnership with Veloce Esports.

March 2019: Seat Fitting for IndyCar

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

April 2019: Tyre Development Test

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

2019: Focus on 2019

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

2019: Inducted into the FIA Hall of Fame as a FIA World Endurance Champion

In 2019, Alonso was inducted into the FIA Hall of Fame as a FIA World Endurance Champion, marking his second induction.

2019: Wins 24 Hours of Daytona

In 2019, Alonso won the rain-shortened 24 Hours of Daytona with Wayne Taylor Racing.

2019: Entered Indianapolis 500

In 2019, Fernando Alonso entered the Indianapolis 500.

2019: LMP1 Drivers' Championship

In 2019, Fernando Alonso, alongside Sébastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima, won the LMP1 Drivers' Championship.

2020: End of ambassador contract with Mclaren

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

2020: Indianapolis 500 Entry and Race Result

In 2020, Alonso entered the Indianapolis 500 with Arrow McLaren SP. He qualified 26th and finished the race in 21st position after experiencing clutch issues.

2020: Dakar Rally Participation

In 2020, Fernando Alonso entered the Dakar Rally with Toyota, following a five-month testing program. He finished in 13th position with co-driver Marc Coma.

2020: Entered Indianapolis 500

In 2020, Fernando Alonso entered the Indianapolis 500.

2020: Ruoff Mortgage Sponsorship

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

2020: Testing days for F1 return

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: Contract Extension and Podium Finish

In August 2021, Alonso extended his contract for the 2022 season. He secured a podium finish in Qatar, his first since 2014.

2021: Signs with Alpine F1 Team

In 2021, Alonso signed with Alpine F1 Team, rebranded from Renault. He retired in his first race due to debris in the brake duct and later scored points at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

2021: Returned to Formula One with Alpine

In 2021, Fernando Alonso returned to Formula One with the Alpine F1 Team and scored a podium in Qatar.

2021: Relationship with Linda Morselli ended

In 2021, Fernando Alonso's relationship with Italian model Linda Morselli ended.

2021: Aston Martin's First Podium Since 2021

On his Aston Martin debut at the 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix, Alonso, benefitting from the much-improved machinery of the Aston Martin AMR23, recovered from a first-lap contact with his teammate Lance Stroll without any damage and went on to finish in 3rd place, securing a podium finish and Aston's first since Sebastian Vettel's podium at the 2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix

2022: Broke Record for Most Starts in Formula One

At the 2022 Singapore Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso broke the record for most starts in Formula One.

2022: Highest Start for Alpine

For the 2022 season, Alonso achieved his highest start driving for Alpine during wet qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix, starting in second.

2022: Extends contract with Alpine

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

2023: A14 Management Portfolio

In 2023, A14 Management, Alonso's driver management company, managed a portfolio of young drivers across several motorsport disciplines, including Maximilian Günther, Clément Novalak, and others.

2023: Podium Finishes with Aston Martin

In 2023, Alonso debuted with Aston Martin, securing a podium finish at the Bahrain Grand Prix and achieving his 100th podium at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. He was briefly penalized but the decision was reversed.