53. Fernando Alonso

Legendary two-time Formula 1 World Drivers’ Champion Fernando Alonso returned to the Formula 1 grid and Alpine F1 Team in 2021, twenty years on from making his debut in the sport. Fernando is one of the most experienced and successful drivers in Formula 1 history, with 311 Grands Prix starts and 32 race wins to his name.

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The Spanish driver is synonymous with the team’s history in Formula 1. During two prior stints with Renault F1 Team from 2002-2006 and again between 2008 and 2009, he claimed 17 wins, 41 podiums and two Formula 1 Drivers’ World Championships, making him the most successful driver in the team’s history. In his Formula 1 career to date, Fernando has always been a close contender in the drivers’ championship, racing for the title in 2007, 2010, 2012 and 2013.

Away from the sport, he’s also set his sights on claiming motorsport’s ‘triple crown’. After two Formula 1 wins in Monaco, Fernando has also won the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans twice and has attempted to take victory in the Indianapolis 500; the final hurdle to complete the accolade. Showing his dexterity, Fernando also participated in the fearsome endurance challenge, the Dakar Rally.

For this year, Fernando Alonso is back in Formula 1 hungrier than ever to steer the Alpine F1 Team back to the front of the grid.

Fernando Alonso Q&A:

Welcome home Fernando, how does it feel to be back?

I am extremely happy to be back after two years away from Formula 1. I’m very motivated heading into this new chapter with Alpine, and It’s of course very special to be back with the team that I achieved so much with in the past. The spirit is strong at both factories in Enstone and Viry-Châtillon, and we’re all very excited for what’s ahead.

What are your goals heading into this year with the Alpine F1 Team?

We want to have a strong year obviously and build on what the team did last year. There were a lot of positives to take from 2020 and the team were very close to finishing third in an extremely competitive championship. The three podiums were of course a big step from previous years, but we need to build on this momentum and do even better this year. It’s still very important to have a strong year in 2021 despite next season’s radical rule changes, which all teams have one eye on already!

Have you seen the A521 car yet, what are your early thoughts about it?

I’ve seen it yes and kept constant communication with Enstone and Viry. There is a buzz in both factories and we’re eagerly looking forward to seeing the car on track this season. We won’t truly know how our car stacks up against the rest until qualifying in Bahrain, but we’re confident that we can have a strong year and build on last year’s performances.

Are you looking forward to racing with Esteban Ocon this year?

I am excited to race alongside Esteban this year, I raced against him briefly in 2018. He had a good season last year and it obviously ended on a high note with his first podium at the Sakhir Grand Prix. I was there with the team that race, and it was special to see the whole team celebrating. I think together we are both extremely motivated and can form a strong partnership to help push the team to achieve its goals.