Fernando Alonso

Fernando Alonso is, quite simply, a living legend. Two-time World Champion, more than 400 Grand Prix starts, a career spanning over two decades — and somehow, the competitive fire still burns as hot as ever. His longevity alone would be impressive, but it’s the ability to extract every last ounce of performance from any machinery that puts him in the conversation as one of the most complete racing drivers this sport has ever seen.

Alonso burst onto the scene with Renault in the early 2000s, winning back-to-back championships in 2005 and 2006 and dethroning the mighty Michael Schumacher-Ferrari era in the process. What followed was a career that took him through McLaren, Ferrari, a spell away from F1 where he won the Le Mans 24 Hours and competed at the Indianapolis 500 (because of course he did), and eventually back to the grid with Aston Martin. The man simply cannot stay away from competition.

At the Australian Grand Prix, Alonso is a massive crowd favourite with the Melbourne faithful. His aggressive, never-give-up racing style resonates deeply with Australian motorsport fans — they just get him. His experience at Albert Park is unmatched on the current grid, and his ability to find performance in the most challenging conditions has produced some genuinely memorable drives at the Australian Grand Prix over the years.

Career Statistics

Driver Profile

Fernando Alonso heads into 2026 with Aston Martin, continuing to defy age and expectations in his 40s like only he can. The new regulations and Aston Martin’s growing investment give him renewed hope of adding to that race win tally, and his experience during the transition to new technical rules is going to be absolutely invaluable. Here’s what blows my mind: at 44, his qualifying speed and racecraft are still at an elite level. Few would bet against him producing more unforgettable moments before he finally calls time on one of the most remarkable careers in motorsport history.

NC — Staff sports writer, australiafootball.com