Fernando Alonso#Motor racing career

Alonso was born on 29 July 1981 to a working-class family in Oviedo, Asturias, Northern Spain.{{Cite web |last=Donaldson |first=Gerald |title=Fernando Alonso – 2005, 2006 |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/drivers/hall-of-fame/Fernando_Alonso.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503172019/https://www.formula1.com/en/drivers/hall-of-fame/Fernando_Alonso.html |archive-date=3 May 2019 |access-date=25 November 2019 |website=Formula1.com}}{{Cite news |last=Jenkins |first=Chris |date=15 June 2005 |title=Alonso charges to top of F1 |page=01C |work=USA Today |url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A133264991/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=48e29c99 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=10 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805141857/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA133264991&v=2.1&it=r&sid=GPS&asid=48e29c99 |archive-date=5 August 2021 |via=Gale in Context: Biography}} He is the son of the mine shaft explosives factory mechanic and amateur kart driver José Luis Alonso,{{Cite web |last=Urruty |first=Martín |date=26 September 2005 |title=De plebeyo a rey; Cómo llegó Alonso a ser el campeón más joven de la historia |trans-title=From commoner to king; How Alonso became the youngest champion ever |url=https://espndeportes.espn.com/news/story?id=367490 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070714205454/http://espndeportes.espn.go.com/news/story?id=367490 |archive-date=14 July 2007 |access-date=26 November 2019 |publisher=ESPN Deportes |language=es}} and his wife, the department store employee Ana Díaz.{{Cite web |date=25 September 2005 |title=Fernando Alonso logra su sueño a los 24 años |trans-title=Fernando Alonso achieves his dream at 24 |url=https://www.lasprovincias.es/valencia/pg060312/deportes/200509/25/RC-biografia.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325105412/https://www.lasprovincias.es/valencia/pg060312/deportes/200509/25/RC-biografia.html |archive-date=25 March 2021 |access-date=26 November 2019 |website=Las Provincias |language=es}} Alonso has an elder sister, Lorena, who is a doctor.

He was educated at the Holy Guardian Angel Primary School (Spanish: Santo Ángel de la Guarda) in Oviedo from 1985 to 1995 under the Basic Education System (Spanish: Educación General Básica). Alonso attended the Institute Leopoldo Alas Clarín of San Lazaro (Spanish: Instituto Leopoldo Alas Clarín de San Lázaro) until his career in motor racing caused him to leave during his Curso de Orientación Universitaria (English: University Orientation Course) in 2000. He was granted a permit to study away from school, after he disobeyed his mother's orders and seldom attended classes. He achieved a good academic performance by asking his classmates for notes and was unproblematic.{{Cite news |date=28 March 2003 |title=Un chico reservado y buen estudiante |language=es |trans-title=A reserved boy and a good student |work=Diario AS |url=https://as.com/masdeporte/2003/03/28/polideportivo/1048828543_850215.html |url-status=live |access-date=26 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805141944/https://as.com/masdeporte/2003/03/28/polideportivo/1048828543_850215.html |archive-date=5 August 2021}}{{Cite news |last=Lara |first=Ángela |date=28 September 2005 |title=Un chico de barrio |language=es |trans-title=A neighborhood boy |page=38 |work=Mundo Deportivo |url=http://hemeroteca.mundodeportivo.com/preview/2005/09/28/pagina-38/725164/pdf.html |url-status=live |access-date=29 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805141918/http://hemeroteca.mundodeportivo.com/preview/2005/09/28/pagina-38/725164/pdf.html |archive-date=5 August 2021}}

File:Fernando Alonso 1983 kart front-left 2017 Museo Fernando Alonso.jpg

Alonso's father wanted a hobby to share with his children and built a go-kart for Lorena. She was uninterested in karting and a three-year-old Alonso received the kart.{{Cite web |title=Fernando Alonso |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/drivers/fernando-alonso |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191119055720/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/drivers/fernando-alonso |archive-date=19 November 2019 |access-date=25 November 2019 |website=Motor Sport}} The kart's pedals were modified for drive-ability, and the local racing federation granted him a mandatory kart racing license aged five; his father rejected an offer for his son to be a goalkeeper for the RC Celta de Vigo football club.{{Cite news |date=15 February 2011 |title=Fernando Alonso: 'Menos mal que el Celta no me fichó' |language=es |trans-title=Fernando Alonso: 'Luckily, Celta didn't sign me up' |work=Atlántico Diario |url=https://www.atlantico.net/articulo/deporte-local/fernando-alonso-menos-mal-celta-no-ficho/20110216125842111954.html |url-status=live |access-date=27 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701183854/http://www.atlantico.net/articulo/deporte-local/fernando-alonso-menos-mal-celta-no-ficho/20110216125842111954.html |archive-date=1 July 2016}} The family lacked the finances required to develop him in karts; they could not purchase rain tyres and forced Alonso to adapt to a wet track on slick tyres.{{Cite web |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=21 October 2016 |title=Fernando Alonso: McLaren-Honda driver still Formula 1's gold standard |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/37704633 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915112741/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/37704633 |archive-date=15 September 2018 |access-date=26 November 2019 |publisher=BBC Sport}} Alonso devised three timing sectors going to school to improve himself daily.{{Cite web |date=14 November 2018 |title=Fernando Alonso: why I race |url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/heritage/driver/fernando-alonso/fernando-alonso-why-i-race-3163556/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191126152147/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/heritage/driver/fernando-alonso/fernando-alonso-why-i-race-3163556/ |archive-date=26 November 2019 |access-date=26 November 2019 |publisher=McLaren}} His mother sewed his racing overalls and adjusted them as he grew;{{Cite news |last1=Ubha |first1=Ravi |last2=Wyatt |first2=Ben |date=2 April 2014 |title=Fernando Alonso: The family ties that bind Ferrari's F1 star |publisher=CNN |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2014/04/02/sport/fernando-alonso-ferrari-f1/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=25 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140403033841/http://edition.cnn.com/2014/04/02/sport/fernando-alonso-ferrari-f1/index.html |archive-date=3 April 2014}} she also ensured Alonso was academically well off. His father steered the kart early on and was his accountant, counsellor, manager and mechanic.{{Cite news |date=16 October 2007 |title=José Luis Alonso, los sacrificios de un padre entregado a la causa |language=es |trans-title=José Luis Alonso, the sacrifices of a father dedicated to the cause |work=Sport |url=https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/motor/jose-luis-alonso-los-sacrificios-de-un-padre-entregado-a-la-causa-5564740 |url-status=live |access-date=26 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190903183638/https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/motor/jose-luis-alonso-los-sacrificios-de-un-padre-entregado-a-la-causa-5564740 |archive-date=3 September 2019}}

Aged seven, Alonso won his first kart race in Pola de Laviana.{{Cite web |date=2006 |title=A Fondo Su vida en fechas |trans-title=Thoroughly Your Life on Dates |url=http://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/especiales/2006/10/alonso/afondo/fechas.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061109082554/http://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/especiales/2006/10/alonso/afondo/fechas.html |archive-date=9 November 2006 |access-date=27 November 2019 |website=El Mundo}} He won the 1988 and 1989 children's junior Championship of the Asturias and Galicia, and progressed to the Cadet class in 1990.{{Cite web |title=Fernando Alonso |url=http://www.cikfia.com/inside-cikfia/wall-of-fame/view/article/fernando-alonso.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908115625/http://www.cikfia.com/inside-cikfia/wall-of-fame/view/article/fernando-alonso.html |archive-date=8 September 2015 |access-date=26 November 2019 |publisher=Commission Internationale de Karting}}{{Cite web |title=Atlas F1 News Service: Biography Fernando Alonso (ESP) |url=http://www.atlasf1.com/news/2004/features/drivers/falonso.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081006171243/http://www.atlasf1.com/news/2004/features/drivers/falonso.html |archive-date=6 October 2008 |access-date=27 November 2019 |website=Atlas F1}} Go-kart importer Genís Marcó was impressed by Alonso and mentored him; kart track owner José Luis Echevarria told him about Alonso. Marcó found personal and sponsorship money for Alonso's family to defray financial concerns and allow him to enter European series.{{Cite news |last=Álvarez |first=Raúl |date=24 November 2018 |title=Fernando Alonso, los años de Oviedo |language=es |trans-title=Fernando Alonso, the years of Oviedo |work=La Voz de Asturias |url=https://www.lavozdeasturias.es/noticia/deportes/2018/11/23/fernando-alonso-anos-oviedo/00031542994226601542334.htm |url-status=live |access-date=26 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181125143243/https://www.lavozdeasturias.es/noticia/deportes/2018/11/23/fernando-alonso-anos-oviedo/00031542994226601542334.htm |archive-date=25 November 2018}}{{Cite web |date=13 January 2015 |title=Fernando: The rising star |url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/heritage/driver/fernando-alonso/fernando-rising-star/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191127213105/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/heritage/driver/fernando-alonso/fernando-rising-star/ |archive-date=27 November 2019 |access-date=27 November 2019 |publisher=McLaren}} He spoke to the six-time Karting World Champion Mike Wilson, who gave Alonso a test session at a track in Parma. Marcó taught Alonso to be conservative and maintain the condition of a kart.{{Cite news |date=17 October 2007 |title=Genís Marcó, el valedor de Alonso en el karting y su segunda familia |trans-title=Genís Marcó, Alonso's supporter in karting and his second family |work=Sport |url=https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/motor/genis-marco-el-valedor-de-alonso-en-el-karting-y-su-segunda-familia-5564835 |url-status=live |access-date=27 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106183622/https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/motor/genis-marco-el-valedor-de-alonso-en-el-karting-y-su-segunda-familia-5564835 |archive-date=6 November 2019}}

File:Fernando Alonso 1996 kart front-left 2017 Museo Fernando Alonso.jpg in 1996]]

Alonso won the 1990 Asturias and the Basque Country Cadet Championship and finished second in the 1991 Spanish Cadet National Championship. The local karting federation allowed him to enter the 100cc class because he was deemed underage to drive more powerful machinery. At a Catalan Karting Championship meet in Móra d'Ebre, Marcó asked Alonso if he wanted to enter the Spanish Karting Championship. Wilson mentored Alonso; he joined the Italian American Motor Engineering works team in 1993. Alonso won three successive Spanish Junior National Championships from 1993 to 1995.

The results allowed him to progress to the world championships. Alonso was third at the 1995 Commission Internationale de Karting (CIK-FIA) Cadets' Rainbow Trophy. Alonso was a mechanic to younger kart drivers to earn money. He 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 in 1996. In 1997, he 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.

File:Lola B99-50 front-right 2017 Museo Fernando Alonso.jpg Alonso drove in the 2000 International Formula 3000 Championship.]]

Aged 17, Alonso made his car racing debut in the 1999 Euro Open by Nissan with Campos Motorsport, winning the title from Manuel Gião at the final race of the season with six wins and nine pole positions.{{efn|Gião filed an appeal under the belief Alonso had passed him under yellow flag conditions. The appeal was rejected because Gião had filed it through his manager and not his team; officials subsequently confirmed Alonso's championship win.{{Cite web |date=27 November 1999 |title=Alonso title confirmed |url=http://classic.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/7039/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719024337/http://classic.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/7039/ |archive-date=19 July 2018 |access-date=27 November 2019 |website=Autosport}}}} For 2000, he progressed to the higher-tier International Formula 3000 Championship with the Minardi-backed Team Astromega, after a sponsorship agreement with driver Robert Lechner fell through.{{Cite journal |last=Arron |first=Simon |date=5 February 2018 |title=Silverstone 2000: Meeting Fernando Alonso |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/opinion/f1/silverstone-2000-meeting-fernando-alonso |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191127213115/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/opinion/f1/silverstone-2000-meeting-fernando-alonso |archive-date=27 November 2019 |access-date=27 November 2019 |website=Motor Sport}} Alonso finished second at the Hungaroring and won the season-ending round at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps for fourth overall with 17 points.

Cesare Fiorio, the sports director, gave Alonso a test in a Formula One (F1) car at the Circuito de Jerez in December 1999, as part of the Euro Open by Nissan's organising company RPM's agreement to give its series champion an opportunity to test at a higher level.{{Cite news |last=Sanz |first=Miguel |date=4 March 2009 |title=Alonso y Minardi, 10 años de una gran historia |language=es |trans-title=Alonso and Minardi, 10 years of a great story |work=Marca |url=https://www.marca.com/blogs/elgrancirco/2009/03/04/alonso-y-minardi-10-anos-de-una-gran.html |url-status=live |access-date=28 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128091729/https://www.marca.com/blogs/elgrancirco/2009/03/04/alonso-y-minardi-10-anos-de-una-gran.html |archive-date=28 November 2019}} He was Minardi's test and reserve driver in {{F1|2000}} before joining its race team in {{F1|2001}}. In a non-competitive car,{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=Adam |date=21 March 2011 |title=Fernando Alonso and the class of 2001 |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/feature/3361/fernando-alonso-and-the-class-of-2001 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223154842/https://www.autosport.com/f1/feature/3361/fernando-alonso-and-the-class-of-2001 |archive-date=23 December 2019 |access-date=23 December 2019 |website=Autosport}} Alonso's best result of the season was a tenth-place finish in the {{F1GP|2001|German}} and scored no points for 23rd overall.

File:Fernando Alonso 2003 Silverstone 9.jpg]]

He signed as Renault's test driver for {{F1|2002}} per the orders of manager Flavio Briatore to familiarise himself with the team and improve himself for the future.{{Cite web |date=24 June 2002 |title=Alonso's hopes for Renault race drive |url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/06/s9854.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020628020127/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/06/s9854.html |archive-date=28 June 2002 |access-date=7 December 2019 |website=Formula1.com}} Alonso worked with the engineering department to improve Giancarlo Fisichella's and Jenson Button's performance,{{Cite news |last=Williams |first=Richard |date=1 May 2005 |title=Interview with Fernando Alonso |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2005/may/02/formulaone.formulaone2005 |url-status=live |access-date=25 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206163114/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2005/may/02/formulaone.formulaone2005 |archive-date=6 December 2019}} and tested in Spain and the United Kingdom.{{Cite web |title=Fernando Alonso Biography |url=https://www.racefans.net/fernando-alonso/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181217182803/http://www.racefans.net/fernando-alonso/ |archive-date=17 December 2018 |access-date=6 December 2019 |website=Racefans.net}} He drove a Jaguar in an evaluation session against test drivers André Lotterer and James Courtney at the Silverstone Circuit in May 2002.{{Cite web |date=30 May 2002 |title=Alonso impresses in Jaguar test |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2011180.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040430131259/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2011180.stm |archive-date=30 April 2004 |access-date=6 August 2015 |publisher=BBC Sport}} Alonso was promoted to the Renault race team for {{F1|2003}}. He went on to break the records of youngest driver to win a pole position at the season's second race, the {{F1 GP|2003|Malaysian}}, and broke Bruce McLaren's record as the youngest F1 race winner at the {{F1GP|2003|Hungarian}} later in the year.{{efn|Sebastian Vettel is the current holder of the youngest Formula One pole position starter and youngest one and two-time world champion.|name=VettelALO|group=}}{{Cite journal |date=July 2016 |title=The youth of today |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/july-2016/40/youth-today |url-status=live |journal=Motor Sport |volume=92 |issue=7 |pages=40–41 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512152112/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/july-2016/40/youth-today |archive-date=12 May 2019 |access-date=7 December 2019}} He achieved four podium finishes in 2003 and was sixth in the World Drivers' Championship with 55 points.

He remained with Renault for {{F1|2004}}.{{Cite web |date=20 August 2003 |title=Renault name unchanged line-up |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/3166183.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030822055118/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/3166183.stm |archive-date=22 August 2003 |access-date=8 December 2019 |publisher=BBC Sport}} Alonso had an improved season: he finished the season-opening {{F1GP|2004|Australian}} in third position and took three more podium finishes that year. He took pole position for the {{F1GP|2004|French}} but achieved no race victories en route to fourth in the World Drivers' Championship with 59 points. Alonso stayed at Renault for {{F1|2005}}. He duelled with McLaren driver Kimi Räikkönen for the World Championship in 2005 due to regulation changes prohibiting teams from changing tyres during a race and requiring engines to last for two races before they could be changed. Alonso's car was more reliable than Räikkönen's albeit lacking in speed.{{Cite web |date=1 January 2005 |title=2005: A first for Fernando |url=http://en.espn.co.uk/f1/motorsport/story/11691.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210161104/http://en.espn.co.uk/f1/motorsport/story/11691.html |archive-date=10 December 2019 |access-date=10 December 2019 |publisher=ESPN}} Alonso eclipsed Emerson Fittipaldi as the youngest World Drivers' Champion, having won seven victories, six pole positions and fourteen podium finishes for 133 points altogether.

File:Fernando Alonso 2006 Brazil.jpg]]

He signed a contract extension with Renault for {{F1|2006}} in April 2005.{{Cite news |last=Moffitt |first=Alastair |date=20 December 2005 |title=Alonso to make shock switch from Renault to McLaren |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/alonso-to-make-shock-switch-from-renault-to-mclaren-520190.html |url-status=live |access-date=11 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428113233/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/alonso-to-make-shock-switch-from-renault-to-mclaren-520190.html |archive-date=28 April 2019}} Bookmakers installed Alonso as the favourite to retain the Drivers' Championship.{{Cite news |last=Roebuck |first=Dan |date=10 March 2006 |title=Renault reliability gives champion edge |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2006/mar/10/formulaone.sport |url-status=live |access-date=11 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211102454/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2006/mar/10/formulaone.sport |archive-date=11 December 2019}} His primary competition was Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher.{{Cite news |last=Allen |first=James |date=20 October 2006 |title=To Alonso, the title – to Schumacher, the legend |work=Financial Times |url=https://www.ft.com/content/649ead2e-6061-11db-a716-0000779e2340 |url-status=live |access-date=11 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211162731/https://www.ft.com/content/649ead2e-6061-11db-a716-0000779e2340 |archive-date=11 December 2019}} Alonso won six of the first nine races and finished no lower than second to lead the championship with 84 out of a possible 90 points. An Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA; F1's governing body)-imposed ban on Renault's tuned mass damper device to slow Alonso and an increase of development into Schumacher's Ferrari for competitiveness saw the two tied on points entering the season's penultimate round, the {{F1GP|2006|Japanese}}. Alonso won the race as Schumacher retired due to an engine failure whilst leading. He needed to score one point at the season-ending {{F1GP|2006|Brazilian}} for a second title.{{Cite news |last=Garside |first=Kevin |date=11 October 2006 |title=Alonso to play safe in Brazil |work=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/columnists/kevingarside/2347765/Alonso-to-play-safe-in-Brazil.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=11 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211162731/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/columnists/kevingarside/2347765/Alonso-to-play-safe-in-Brazil.html |archive-date=11 December 2019}} Alonso won the championship by finishing second and was Formula 1's youngest double World Champion.{{efn|name=VettelALO}}{{clear}}

File:Fernando Alonso 2007 Malaysia.jpg]]

He and McLaren team owner Ron Dennis met secretly in Japan after Dennis talked to Alonso about driving for the team in the future and Alonso expressed interest in the idea. Both men agreed to a three-year contract for Alonso to drive for McLaren starting from {{F1|2007}}.{{Cite news |last=Baldwin |first=Alan |date=7 December 2006 |title=How Alonso switched to McLaren? |work=Rediff.com |agency=Reuters |url=https://www.rediff.com/sports/2006/dec/07alonso.htm |url-status=live |access-date=25 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080616214228/http://www.rediff.com/sports/2006/dec/07alonso.htm |archive-date=16 June 2008}}{{Cite web |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=19 November 2018 |title=Fernando Alonso: Lewis Hamilton, Ron Dennis & where it started to go wrong at McLaren in 2007 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/46225204 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181205001319/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/46225204 |archive-date=5 December 2018 |access-date=11 December 2019 |publisher=BBC Sport}} Alonso's contract with Renault expired on 31 December 2006, and he was not granted an early release for sponsorship reasons.{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Jonathan |date=15 December 2006 |title=More security, no stickers for Alonso debut |url=http://classic.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/56024/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211171342/http://classic.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/56024/ |archive-date=11 December 2019 |access-date=11 December 2019 |website=Autosport}} Renault allowed Alonso to make his first appearance for McLaren in a test session at the Circuito de Jerez in November 2006.{{Cite news |last=Spurgeon |first=Brad |date=15 December 2006 |title=Champions All Around |work=The New York Times |url=https://rendezvous.blogs.nytimes.com/2006/12/15/champions-all-around/ |url-status=live |access-date=11 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001070130/https://rendezvous.blogs.nytimes.com/2006/12/15/champions-all-around/ |archive-date=1 October 2019}} His main competitors in 2007 were his teammate Lewis Hamilton and Räikkönen at Ferrari. Alonso achieved four Grand Prix victories in Malaysia, Monaco, Europe and Italy and led the championship until Hamilton overtook him.{{Cite web |last=Harden |first=Oliver |date=17 December 2014 |title=Fernando Alonso and McLaren: Where It Went Wrong in 2007 |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2302639-fernando-alonso-and-mclaren-where-it-went-wrong-in-2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212093514/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2302639-fernando-alonso-and-mclaren-where-it-went-wrong-in-2007 |archive-date=12 December 2019 |access-date=12 December 2019 |publisher=Bleacher Report}} Prior to the season's final round, the {{F1 GP|2007|Brazilian}}, he had 103 championship points to Räikkönen's 100 and Hamilton's 107, and needed to win the race and for his teammate to finish third or lower for his third title.{{Cite news |date=18 October 2007 |title=Formula One title permutations |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-30043820071018 |url-status=live |access-date=12 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212093517/https://www.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-30043820071018 |archive-date=12 December 2019}} Alonso finished the event third for third overall with 109 points. He had the same number of points as Hamilton; the tie was broken on count-back as Hamilton finished second more often than Alonso.{{Cite web |date=1 December 2018 |title=17 surprising Fernando Alonso facts – one for each of his F1 seasons |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.17-surprising-fernando-alonso-facts-one-for-each-of-his-f1-seasons.2QM5BOQyakieK6KeMAG68G.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212093517/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.17-surprising-fernando-alonso-facts-one-for-each-of-his-f1-seasons.2QM5BOQyakieK6KeMAG68G.html |archive-date=12 December 2019 |access-date=12 December 2019 |website=Formula1.com}}

File:Singapore grand prix 2008 alonso win.jpg, after his teammate, Nelson Piquet Jr., was ordered to crash deliberately.]]

Throughout the season, Alonso and Hamilton were involved in a number of incidents, such as the espionage scandal and the flare-up during qualifying for the {{F1GP|2007|Hungarian}} when Hamilton disobeyed a team instruction, thus disadvantaging Alonso, and Alonso responded by delaying Hamilton in the pit lane.{{Cite web |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=19 November 2018 |title=Fernando Alonso: Lewis Hamilton, McLaren, 'spy-gate' & threats & demands to Ron Dennis |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/46226823 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926080923/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/46226823 |archive-date=26 September 2019 |access-date=12 December 2019 |publisher=BBC Sport}} The tensions culminated in Alonso and McLaren terminating their contract by mutual consent in November.{{Cite news |last=Rodríguez |first=Jaime |date=2 November 2007 |title=Alonso: 'En McLaren, nunca me sentí en casa' |language=es |trans-title=Alonso: 'At McLaren, I never felt at home' |work=El Mundo |url=https://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/2007/11/02/motor/1194002469.html |url-status=live |access-date=12 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212161345/https://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/2007/11/02/motor/1194002469.html |archive-date=12 December 2019}} Alonso was forbidden from joining a team whom McLaren considered their primary challengers for {{F1|2008}}.{{Cite web |title=Alonso: Why I quit McLaren |date=2 November 2007 |url=https://www.eurosport.com/formula-1/season/2007/alonso-why-i-quit-mclaren_sto1368239/story.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212161346/https://www.eurosport.com/formula-1/season/2007/alonso-why-i-quit-mclaren_sto1368239/story.shtml |archive-date=12 December 2019 |access-date=12 December 2019 |publisher=Eurosport}} After rejecting offers from several teams,{{Cite news |last=González |first=Elvira |date=30 October 2013 |title=Cuando Alonso pudo sur Vettel: A finales de Vettel, tras dejar McLaren, el asturiano tenia a Red Bull como primera opción |language=es |trans-title=When Alonso could replace Vettel: At the end of Vettel, after leaving McLaren, the Spaniard had Red Bull as the first option |page=26 |work=Mundo Deportivo |url=http://hemeroteca.mundodeportivo.com/preview/2013/10/30/pagina-26/13038734/pdf.html |url-status=live |access-date=12 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212183512/http://hemeroteca.mundodeportivo.com/preview/2013/10/30/pagina-26/13038734/pdf.html |archive-date=12 December 2019}} he signed a two-year contract to rejoin Renault from 2008 because of the manufacturer's long-term commitment to F1 and on-track record.{{Cite news |date=11 December 2007 |title=Alonso dreams of a perfect season |publisher=RTÉ Sport |url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/motorsport/2007/1211/225752-alonsof/ |url-status=live |access-date=12 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212231905/https://www.rte.ie/sport/motorsport/2007/1211/225752-alonsof/ |archive-date=12 December 2019}}{{Cite web |date=10 December 2007 |title=Alonso opts for return to Renault |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7136498.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805141904/https://secure-uk.imrworldwide.com/cgi-bin/m?rnd=1628173144082&ci=bbc&cg=0&sr=1600x1000&ts=v51.js&cd=24&lg=en-US&je=n&ck=y&tz=0&ct=&hp=&tl=BBC%20SPORT%20%7C%20Motorsport%20%7C%20Formula%20One%20%7C%20Alonso%20opts%20for%20return%20to%20Renault&si=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.bbc.co.uk%2Fsport2%2Fhi%2Fmotorsport%2Fformula_one%2F7136498.stm&rp= |archive-date=5 August 2021 |access-date=12 December 2019 |publisher=BBC Sport}} Alonso's car lacked power early on due to an imposed moratorium in development and he scored nine points in the first seven races.{{Cite news |last=Cary |first=Tom |date=23 March 2009 |title=Fernando Alonso: F1 2009 driver profile |work=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/lotus/5007362/Fernando-Alonso-F1-2009-driver-profile.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=12 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212231944/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/lotus/5007362/Fernando-Alonso-F1-2009-driver-profile.html |archive-date=12 December 2019}} He was thereafter able to improve his performance later due to aerodynamic developments to the car's and won in Singapore and Japan; the former race saw Renault order his teammate Nelson Piquet Jr. to crash deliberately and trigger the deployment of the safety car in what became known as "crashgate". Alonso scored more points than any other driver in the final five races with 43.{{Cite news |last=Allievi |first=Pino |date=27 December 2008 |title=Top 10 Gazzetta E' Alonso il numero 1 |language=it |trans-title=Top 10 Gazzetta Alonso is number 1 |work=La Gazzetta dello Sport |url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it//2008/dicembre/27/Top_Gazzetta_Alonso_numero_1_ga_10_081227026.shtml |url-status=live |access-date=12 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212231938/http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it//2008/dicembre/27/Top_Gazzetta_Alonso_numero_1_ga_10_081227026.shtml |archive-date=12 December 2019}} He scored 61 points for fifth in the Drivers' Championship.

Alonso was due to become a free agent for {{F1|2009}} if Renault were lower than third in the Constructors' Championship.{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Jonathan |date=4 July 2008 |title=Alonso to decide future after summer |url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/68815 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080708080540/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/68815 |archive-date=8 July 2008 |access-date=12 December 2019 |website=Autosport}} After offers from Red Bull Racing and Honda,{{Cite news |last=Henry |first=Alan |date=4 August 2008 |title=Alonso set for Honda move as staging post to long-term Ferrari future |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/aug/04/formulaone.motorsports |url-status=live |access-date=12 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212231929/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/aug/04/formulaone.motorsports |archive-date=12 December 2019}} he re-signed to Renault on a two-year contract.{{Cite web |last=English |first=Steven |date=5 November 2008 |title=Renault retain Alonso and Piquet for '09 |url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081108013026/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72010 |archive-date=8 November 2008 |access-date=12 December 2019 |website=Autosport}} His car proved to be noncompetitive because it lacked a dual diffuser system and outright speed.{{Cite news |last=Tremayne |first=David |date=25 July 2009 |title=Fernando Alonso: 'With all the fights, this may be F1's worst year ever' |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/fernando-alonso-with-all-the-fights-this-may-be-f1s-worst-year-ever-1760567.html |url-status=live |access-date=13 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213082110/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/fernando-alonso-with-all-the-fights-this-may-be-f1s-worst-year-ever-1760567.html |archive-date=13 December 2019}} Alonso eschewed an aerodynamic front wing mandated in an attempt to make overtaking more possible since he did not believe it would help him. He scored points in eight races and achieved one podium finish: a third-place at the {{F1GP|2009|Singapore}}.{{Cite web |title=Drivers: Fernando Alonso |url=https://www.grandprix.com/gpe/drv-alofer.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213082114/https://www.grandprix.com/gpe/drv-alofer.html |archive-date=13 December 2019 |access-date=13 December 2019 |publisher=GrandPrix.com}} Alonso won pole position for the {{F1GP|2009|Hungarian}} and led the first 12 laps before he retired following an incorrectly fitted right-front wheel.{{Cite news |last=Caygill |first=Graham |date=28 July 2009 |title=Renault to fight race ban |work=The National |url=https://www.thenational.ae/sport/other-sport/renault-to-fight-race-ban-1.529118 |url-status=live |access-date=13 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213082113/https://www.thenational.ae/sport/other-sport/renault-to-fight-race-ban-1.529118 |archive-date=13 December 2019}} Alonso was ninth in the Drivers' Championship with 26 points, his lowest placing since he came sixth in 2003; he maintained his reputation as one of F1's best drivers.

File:Ferrari Bahrain 2010.jpg.]]

Alonso agreed with Ferrari president Luca Cordero di Montezemolo to drive for Ferrari in 2009, but team principal Jean Todt extended the contracts of both Felipe Massa and Räikkönen to {{F1|2010}}.{{Cite journal |last=Knutson |first=Dan |date=11 November 2009 |title=Forza Fernando! |journal=Auto Action |issue=1365 |pages=24–26 |issn=1320-2073}} Alonso obtained a mid-2009 agreement to drive for Ferrari from {{F1|2011}} on but it was moved to 2010 after Renault were investigated for race fixing in Singapore and Räikkönen was released from the team.{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=James |date=1 October 2009 |title=Raikkonen and Domenicali differ on reasons why he was dropped |url=http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/2009/10/raikkonen-and-domenicali-differ-on-reasons-why-he-was-dropped/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111115201957/http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/2009/10/raikkonen-and-domenicali-differ-on-reasons-why-he-was-dropped/ |archive-date=15 November 2011 |access-date=13 December 2019 |publisher=James Allen on F1}} McLaren's Hamilton and Button and Red Bull's of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber were Alonso's main championship competition.{{Cite web |last=Holt |first=Sarah |date=23 September 2010 |title=Fernando Alonso is main threat – Lewis Hamilton |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/9027425.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100924044759/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/9027425.stm |archive-date=24 September 2010 |access-date=13 December 2019 |publisher=BBC Sport}} He won five races that season and entered the season-ending {{F1 GP|2010|Abu Dhabi}} leading by eight points after being 47 behind mid-season following errors. Alonso finished runner-up to Vettel after finishing seventh thereby losing 19 points to Vettel who won the race.{{cite news|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/88264|first=Simon|last=Strang|title=Defeated Alonso defends pit strategy|work=autosport.com|publisher=Haymarket Publications|date=14 November 2010|access-date=19 November 2010|archive-date=17 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101117131913/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/88264|url-status=live}}

His 2011 season was mixed: his car was built conservatively and lacked aerodynamic grip and tyre handling in qualifying.{{Cite journal |last=Cooper |first=Adam |date=February 2012 |title=Putting it all on red: has Fernando Alonso taken a reckless gamble by committing to Ferrari through 2017? Or is the Prancing Horse finally ready to fight the Red Bulls? |url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A278510102/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=1c0d42e2 |url-status=live |journal=Racer |pages=36–38 |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805141858/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA278510102&v=2.1&it=r&sid=GPS&asid=1c0d42e2 |archive-date=5 August 2021 |access-date=19 December 2019 |via=Gale In Context: Biography}} He extracted additional pace from his car to claim ten podium finishes and win the {{F1GP|2011|British}} after a strategy error from Red Bull. His best qualification of the year was a second at the {{F1GP|2011|Canadian}} and he out-qualified his teammate Massa fifteen times over the course of the season. Alonso was fourth overall with 257 points; he was in contention to finish second to eventual champion Vettel following a series of strong finishes until Webber won the season-ending {{F1GP|2011|Brazilian}}.{{Cite web |last=Collantine |first=Keith |date=16 December 2011 |title=2011 F1 driver rankings no.2: Fernando Alonso |url=https://www.racefans.net/2011/12/16/2011-f1-driver-rankings-no2-fernando-alonso/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805141945/https://www.racefans.net/2011/12/16/2011-f1-driver-rankings-no2-fernando-alonso/ |archive-date=5 August 2021 |access-date=18 December 2019 |publisher=RaceFans}}

File:2012 German Grand Prix Fernando Alonso.jpg]]

Ahead of {{F1|2012}}, Alonso extended his contract with Ferrari until {{F1|2016}}.{{Cite news |date=19 May 2011 |title=Alonso staying with Ferrari until 2016 |publisher=CNN |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/SPORT/motorsport/05/19/motorsport.ferrari.alonso.contract/index.html |url-status=dead |access-date=19 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219095124/http://edition.cnn.com/2011/SPORT/motorsport/05/19/motorsport.ferrari.alonso.contract/index.html |archive-date=19 December 2019}} His main competition for the title in 2012 was Vettel.{{Cite news |last=Spurgeon |first=Brad |date=23 November 2012 |title=The Crown Awaits: Vettel or Alonso? |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/24/sports/autoracing/24iht-srf1prix24.html |url-status=live |access-date=19 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219150236/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/24/sports/autoracing/24iht-srf1prix24.html |archive-date=19 December 2019}} Wins in Malaysia, Valencia and Germany and consistent points-scoring finishes allowed him to build a 40-point lead in the Drivers' Championship. Thereafter start-line collisions, a mechanical failure and an improved performance for Vettel eliminated Alonso's points lead.{{Cite web |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=13 November 2012 |title=Would Vettel or Alonso be more deserving champion? |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/andrewbenson/2012/11/benson.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190521143813/https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/andrewbenson/2012/11/benson.html |archive-date=21 May 2019 |access-date=19 December 2019 |publisher=BBC Sport}}{{Cite web |last=Salisbury |first=Matt |date=27 November 2012 |title=How Vettel beat Alonso to the 2012 title |url=https://www.crash.net/f1/feature/186485/1/how-vettel-beat-alonso-to-the-2012-title-pt1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219150244/https://www.crash.net/f1/feature/186485/1/how-vettel-beat-alonso-to-the-2012-title-pt1 |archive-date=19 December 2019 |access-date=19 December 2019 |publisher=Crash |pages=[https://www.crash.net/f1/feature/186485/1/how-vettel-beat-alonso-to-the-2012-title-pt1 page 1] & [https://www.crash.net/f1/feature/186486/1/how-vettel-beat-alonso-to-the-2012-title-pt2 page 2]}} Alonso entered the season-ending {{F1GP|2012|Brazilian}} 13 points behind Vettel and needed to finish third and for Vettel not to score points for a third championship. He was second and Vettel finished fourth, despite spinning on the opening lap, resigning Alonso to be runner-up for the second time in his career on 278 points.

To begin {{F1|2013}}, Alonso drove an aggressively designed car allowing him to win in China and Spain and consistently scored points.{{Cite journal |last=Straw |first=Edd |date=12 December 2013 |title=Alonso and Ferrari's season of discontent |url=http://porschecarshistory.com/wp-content/old/lib/magazines/autosport/2013/12/AS2013.12.12.pdf |url-status=live |journal=Autosport |volume=214 |issue=11 |pages=52–54 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219204346/http://porschecarshistory.com/wp-content/old/lib/magazines/autosport/2013/12/AS2013.12.12.pdf |archive-date=19 December 2019 |access-date=19 December 2019}} He was slower than Vettel after a change of tyre compound at the {{F1GP|2013|German}} and front and rear bodywork components intended to improve his car's performance were ineffective.{{Cite web |last=Estrada |first=Chris |date=2 December 2013 |title=Ecclestone: Fernando Alonso "gave up a little bit" in 2013 |url=https://motorsports.nbcsports.com/2013/12/02/ecclestone-fernando-alonso-gave-up-a-little-bit-in-2013/comment-page-1/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220091505/https://motorsports.nbcsports.com/2013/12/02/ecclestone-fernando-alonso-gave-up-a-little-bit-in-2013/comment-page-1/ |archive-date=20 December 2019 |access-date=20 December 2019 |publisher=NBC Sports}} With 242 points, Alonso was second for the third time in his career. His relationship with Ferrari cooled due to his perception the team could not construct a title-winning car.{{Cite web |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=19 November 2018 |title=Fernando Alonso: The Ferrari years and the championships that got away |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/46228877 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926080949/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/46228877 |archive-date=26 September 2019 |access-date=20 December 2019 |publisher=BBC Sport}}

Alonso's 2014 season saw him achieve no race wins because his car was less powerful than the championship-winning Mercedes but took third in the {{F1GP|2014|Chinese}} and second in the {{F1 GP|2014|Hungarian}}. Alonso fell to sixth in the Drivers' Championship with 161 points. He qualified faster than his teammate Räikkönen 16 times by an average of more than {{frac|1|2}} second per lap in 2014.

Alonso had severe disagreements with team principal Marco Mattiacci in 2014 and left Ferrari after contract negotiations to remain at the team fell through. He rejoined McLaren on a three-year contract from {{F1|2015}} to {{F1|2017}} with no opt-out clauses.{{Cite web |last=Gill |first=Pete |date=1 May 2015 |title=Fernando Alonso signed three-year McLaren deal, reveals Ron Dennis |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/24184/9831212/fernando-alonso-signed-three-year-mclaren-deal-reveals-ron-dennis |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221120332/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/24184/9831212/fernando-alonso-signed-three-year-mclaren-deal-reveals-ron-dennis |archive-date=21 December 2019 |access-date=21 December 2019 |publisher=Sky Sports}} An accident during a pre-season test session at Spain's Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in February 2015 saw Alonso sustain a concussion and he was replaced by reserve driver Kevin Magnussen for the season-opening {{F1 GP|2015|Australian}}.{{Cite news |date=3 March 2015 |title=McLaren driver Fernando Alonso to miss Formula One's season-opening Australian GP |work=The National |agency=Agence France-Presse |url=https://www.thenational.ae/sport/other-sport/mclaren-driver-fernando-alonso-to-miss-formula-one-s-season-opening-australian-gp-1.4524 |url-status=live |access-date=21 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221120332/https://www.thenational.ae/sport/other-sport/mclaren-driver-fernando-alonso-to-miss-formula-one-s-season-opening-australian-gp-1.4524 |archive-date=21 December 2019}} He endured a difficult season: his car's Honda engine was under-powered and overall speed leaving him vulnerable to being passed.{{cite news |last=Finnerty |first=Joe |date=18 March 2016 |title=McLaren-Honda bidding to launch revival at Australian Grand Prix |publisher=Surrey Live |url=https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/sport/other-sport/motorsport/mclaren-honda-bidding-launch-revival-11057872 |url-status=live |access-date=21 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221150206/https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/sport/other-sport/motorsport/mclaren-honda-bidding-launch-revival-11057872 |archive-date=21 December 2019}}{{Cite web |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=18 March 2015 |title=McLaren: could one of F1's top teams struggle for years? |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/31942251 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221150404/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/31942251 |archive-date=21 December 2019 |access-date=21 December 2019 |website=BBC News}} Alonso scored points twice in 2015: a tenth in the {{F1GP|2015|British}} and a fifth in the {{F1GP|2015|Hungarian}} for 17th in the Drivers' Championship with 11 points. He was dissatisfied with a slow pace, which became evident after multiple radio complaints that year.{{Cite news |last=Douglas |first=Steve |date=8 June 2015 |title='Amateur' outburst exposes Alonso's frustration at McLaren |work=Associated Press |url=https://apnews.com/2add772049a94ab5ae7f87fa7453e567 |url-status=live |access-date=21 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221150203/https://apnews.com/2add772049a94ab5ae7f87fa7453e567 |archive-date=21 December 2019}}{{Cite web |last=Saunders |first=Nate |date=27 September 2015 |title=Fernando Alonso fumes at Honda's 'GP2 engine' at Suzuka |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/13751402/mclaren-fernando-alonso-fumes-honda-gp2-engine-suzuka |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221150206/https://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/13751402/mclaren-fernando-alonso-fumes-honda-gp2-engine-suzuka |archive-date=21 December 2019 |access-date=21 December 2019 |publisher=ESPN}}

File:Alonso Monaco 2016.jpg]]

Despite the unreliable and noncompetitive car,{{Cite news |last=Baldwin |first=Alan |date=28 November 2015 |title=Alonso could take a sabbatical in 2016, says Dennis |work=Reuters |editor-last=Palmer |editor-first=Justin |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/motor-racing-prix-alonso/alonso-could-take-a-sabbatical-in-2016-says-dennis-idINKBN0TH0D620151128 |url-status=live |access-date=21 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221163856/https://www.reuters.com/article/motor-racing-prix-alonso/alonso-could-take-a-sabbatical-in-2016-says-dennis-idINKBN0TH0D620151128 |archive-date=21 December 2019}} Alonso remained with McLaren for {{F1|2016}}.{{Cite web |last=Barretto |first=Lawrence |date=4 December 2015 |title=Fernando Alonso committed to racing for McLaren in F1 in 2016 |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/122139/alonso-committed-to-racing-in-2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221163902/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/122139/alonso-committed-to-racing-in-2016 |archive-date=21 December 2019 |access-date=21 December 2019 |website=Autosport}} Injuries from a heavy crash with Esteban Gutiérrez at the season-opening {{F1GP|2016|Australian}} caused him to miss the {{F1GP|2016|Bahrain}} on medical grounds and was replaced by reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne.{{Cite news |last=Johnson |first=Daniel |date=31 March 2016 |title=Doctors order Fernando Alonso to miss Bahrain Grand Prix |work=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2016/03/31/fernando-alonso-out-of-bahrain-grand-prix-with-crash-injuries/ |url-status=live |access-date=21 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221203222/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2016/03/31/fernando-alonso-out-of-bahrain-grand-prix-with-crash-injuries/ |archive-date=21 December 2019}} He qualified better than teammate Button fifteen times and scored points nine times, which included two fifth-place finishes in the {{F1 GP|2016|Monaco}} and the {{F1 GP|2016|United States}}. He was tenth in the Drivers' Championship with 54 points.

Alonso stayed at McLaren in {{F1|2017}},{{Cite web |last=Barretto |first=Lawrence |date=13 December 2016 |title=Fernando Alonso tells McLaren staff he's staying in 2017 |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/127483/alonso-tells-mclaren-staff-he-staying |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221203223/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/127483/alonso-tells-mclaren-staff-he-staying |archive-date=21 December 2019 |access-date=21 December 2019 |website=Autosport}} but poor reliability affected his season, particularly during the early rounds, and his best finish was a sixth place in the {{F1 GP|2017|Hungarian}}. After three consecutive top-ten finishes, Alonso finished 15th in the Drivers' Championship with 17 points.

File:FIA F1 Austria 2018 Nr. 14 Alonso.jpg]]

Following contract negotiations with the McLaren CEO Zak Brown,{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Luke |date=13 January 2017 |title=McLaren planning to open Alonso F1 contract talks 'a few races into the year' |newspaper=Motorsportstalk {{pipe}} NBC Sports |url=https://motorsports.nbcsports.com/2017/01/13/mclaren-planning-to-open-alonso-f1-contract-talks-a-few-races-into-the-year/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222144832/https://motorsports.nbcsports.com/2017/01/13/mclaren-planning-to-open-alonso-f1-contract-talks-a-few-races-into-the-year/ |archive-date=22 December 2019 |access-date=22 December 2019 |publisher=NBC Sports}} Alonso signed a multi-year extension with McLaren on 19 October 2017.{{Cite web |last=Elizade |first=Pablo |date=19 October 2017 |title=Alonso says new McLaren deal is "long-term" |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alonso-says-new-mclaren-deal-is-long-term-967418/3052959/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222144831/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alonso-says-new-mclaren-deal-is-long-term-967418/3052959/ |archive-date=22 December 2019 |access-date=22 December 2019 |publisher=Motorsport.com}} He finished fifth at the season-opening 2018 {{F1GP|2018|Australian}} and took nine top-ten finishes. Alonso out-qualified his teammate Stoffel Vandoorne at every race and drove quickly and aggressively. He became increasingly annoyed with certain drivers and his commitment to F1 waned after McLaren stopped developing their car to focus on {{F1|2019}}.{{Cite web |title=Alonso will not race in Formula 1 in 2019 |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alonso-will-not-race-in-formula-1-in-2019/3158671/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203215505/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alonso-will-not-race-in-formula-1-in-2019/3158671/ |archive-date=3 February 2020 |access-date=8 February 2020 |website=www.motorsport.com |date=14 August 2018 |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Collantine |first=Keith |date=17 December 2018 |title=2018 F1 driver rankings #4: Alonso |url=https://www.racefans.net/2018/12/17/2018-f1-driver-rankings-4-alonso/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805141959/https://www.racefans.net/2018/12/17/2018-f1-driver-rankings-4-alonso/ |archive-date=5 August 2021 |access-date=22 December 2019 |publisher=RaceFans}} Alonso was 11th in the Drivers' Championship with 50 points, and left the sport as a driver at the end of the 2018 season, citing a perceived lack of on-track racing, the predictability of results and felt discussions away from racing about the broadcast of radio transmissions and polemics harmed the series.{{Cite journal |last=Straw |first=Edd |date=23 August 2018 |title=Why Alonso is leaving Formula 1 |url=https://www.pressreader.com/uk/autosport-uk/20180823/281621011187929 |url-status=live |journal=Autosport |pages=16–22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222204116/https://www.pressreader.com/uk/autosport-uk/20180823/281621011187929 |archive-date=22 December 2019 |access-date=22 December 2019}}

He remained at McLaren as a brand ambassador to aid and advise drivers and drove in select test sessions to develop their cars. Alonso drove the MCL34 during a two-day in-season post-race Bahrain test in April 2019 to develop tyres for Pirelli.{{Cite web |date=28 March 2019 |title=Alonso to make F1 return in post-race Bahrain test |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.alonso-to-make-f1-return-at-post-race-bahrain-test.7FpcdVdbZtd70nC1h3Fepa.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331103944/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.alonso-to-make-f1-return-at-post-race-bahrain-test.7FpcdVdbZtd70nC1h3Fepa.html |archive-date=31 March 2019 |access-date=7 April 2019 |publisher=Formula One}} No further runs were planned for him and McLaren focused on their current drivers.{{Cite web |last=Larkham |first=Lewis |date=23 June 2019 |title=McLaren has no more F1 runs planned for Alonso |url=https://www.crash.net/f1/news/923639/1/mclaren-has-no-more-f1-runs-planned-alonso |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813083215/https://www.crash.net/f1/news/923639/1/mclaren-has-no-more-f1-runs-planned-alonso |archive-date=13 August 2020 |access-date=28 July 2020 |publisher=Crash}} Alonso's ambassador contract with McLaren expired at the end of 2019, and was not renewed for 2020.{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Jonathan |date=20 January 2020 |title=Alonso no longer a McLaren ambassador |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alonso-ends-mclaren-relationship-ambassador/4665379/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200121190019/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alonso-ends-mclaren-relationship-ambassador/4665379/ |archive-date=21 January 2020 |access-date=20 January 2020 |publisher=Motorsport.com}}

File:FIA F1 Austria 2021 Nr. 14 Alonso.jpg, upon his return to Formula One]]

Alonso was signed to drive for Alpine F1 Team for the {{F1|2021}} season,{{Cite web |last=Balseiro |first=Jesús |date=7 July 2020 |title=Alonso está de vuelta |trans-title=Alonso is back |url=https://as.com/motor/2020/07/07/formula_1/1594121714_805810.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031055134/https://as.com/motor/2020/07/07/formula_1/1594121714_805810.html |archive-date=31 October 2020 |access-date=28 July 2020 |website=Diario AS |language=es}} alongside Esteban Ocon, with Renault having rebranded the team under its new name. 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.{{Cite web |date=13 October 2020 |title=Alonso says 'it's like a new beginning' as he gets first taste of 2020 Renault in Barcelona test |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.alonso-says-its-like-a-new-beginning-as-he-gets-first-taste-of-2020-renault.7f9tTX9yyqCVfCtEbwxgcG.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124210029/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.alonso-says-its-like-a-new-beginning-as-he-gets-first-taste-of-2020-renault.7f9tTX9yyqCVfCtEbwxgcG.html |archive-date=24 January 2021 |access-date=13 October 2020 |website=Formula1.com}}{{Cite web |last=Morlidge |first=Matt |date=15 December 2020 |title=Fernando Alonso tops 'young driver test' for Renault on F1 2020's last day |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12162529/fernando-alonso-tops-young-driver-test-for-renault-on-f1-2020s-last-day |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526030231/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12162529/fernando-alonso-tops-young-driver-test-for-renault-on-f1-2020s-last-day |archive-date=26 May 2021 |access-date=15 February 2021 |website=Sky Sports |language=en}} In his first race with Alpine at the 2021 Bahrain Grand Prix, Alonso was forced to retire after plastic debris entered his brake duct.{{Cite web |date=28 March 2021 |title=Alonso says debris caused brake failure that curtailed 'fun' Formula 1 return |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.alonso-says-debris-caused-brake-failure-that-curtailed-fun-formula-1-return.5X4ZVDFmtdlZwiUjTsICKO.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506171956/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.alonso-says-debris-caused-brake-failure-that-curtailed-fun-formula-1-return.5X4ZVDFmtdlZwiUjTsICKO.html |archive-date=6 May 2021 |access-date=12 April 2021 |website=Formula1.com |language=en}} At the 2021 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix he finished in 11th after qualifying 15th,{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Luke |date=17 April 2021 |title=Alonso: Lack of trust in Alpine F1 car costly at old-school Imola |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/alonso-lack-of-trust-in-alpine-car-costly-at-old-school-imola/6314107/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506164000/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/alonso-lack-of-trust-in-alpine-car-costly-at-old-school-imola/6314107/ |archive-date=6 May 2021 |access-date=29 April 2021 |website=Autosport |language=en}} with teammate Ocon finishing ahead in tenth, but both were upgraded one position after Kimi Räikkönen was penalised, giving Alonso his first points of the season.{{Cite web |last=Howard |first=Tom |date=18 April 2021 |title=Raikkonen loses points after post-race penalty at Imola |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/raikkonen-loses-points-after-post-race-imola-penalty/6334393/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525021858/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/raikkonen-loses-points-after-post-race-imola-penalty/6334393/ |archive-date=25 May 2021 |access-date=29 April 2021 |website=Motorsport.com |language=en}}

In Hungary, Alonso temporarily led the race before he made a pit stop and fell to fourth, ahead of Lewis Hamilton. Teammate Ocon credited Alonso's defence against Hamilton with enabling him to achieve his first race victory.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Luke |date=2 August 2021 |title=Ocon credits Alonso for role in shock Hungary F1 race victory |url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/ocon-credits-alonso-for-role-in-shock-hungary-f1-race-victory/6640589/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802085918/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/ocon-credits-alonso-for-role-in-shock-hungary-f1-race-victory/6640589/ |archive-date=2 August 2021 |access-date=2 August 2021 |website=Motorsport.com |language=en}} In August 2021, Alonso invoked an option to extend his contract for the {{F1|2022}} season.{{Cite web |last=Galloway |first=James |date=26 August 2021 |title=Fernando Alonso extends Formula 1 return into 2022 season with Alpine as contract confirmed |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/24184/12390884/fernando-alonso-extends-formula-1-return-into-2022-season-with-alpine-as-contract-confirmed |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210826223228/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/24184/12390884/fernando-alonso-extends-formula-1-return-into-2022-season-with-alpine-as-contract-confirmed |archive-date=26 August 2021 |access-date=26 August 2021 |website=Sky Sports}} Alonso scored points in multiple races following the summer break, finishing sixth in the Netherlands,{{Cite web|url=https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/69385/why-alonso-was-thinking-of-the-worst-during-charge-to-sixth/|title=Why Alonso was "thinking of the worst" during charge to sixth|date=5 September 2021|access-date=26 September 2021|first=Ewan|last=Gale|website=GP Fans|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927173709/https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/69385/why-alonso-was-thinking-of-the-worst-during-charge-to-sixth/ |archive-date=27 September 2021}} eighth in Italy,{{Cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.alonso-pleased-with-alpines-points-at-monza-after-uncompetitive-start-to.6BsFj4MfI8xJX7OMQLxZHo.html|title=Alonso pleased with Alpine's points at Monza after 'uncompetitive' start to weekend|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917070706/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.alonso-pleased-with-alpines-points-at-monza-after-uncompetitive-start-to.6BsFj4MfI8xJX7OMQLxZHo.html|archive-date=17 September 2021|access-date=26 September 2021|website=Formula1.com|date=16 September 2021}} sixth in Russia, having run in third in Russia before being forced to pit under wet conditions,{{Cite web|url=https://www.racefans.net/2021/09/26/we-never-get-lucky-rues-alonso-after-losing-podium-finish/|title="We never get lucky" rues Alonso after losing podium finish|date=26 September 2021|first=Keith|last=Collantine|website=RaceFans.net|access-date=26 September 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927174020/https://www.racefans.net/2021/09/26/we-never-get-lucky-rues-alonso-after-losing-podium-finish/|archive-date=27 September 2021}} and third in Qatar. His third-place finish at Qatar was his first podium finish since the 2014 Hungarian Grand Prix.

For the 2022 season, Alonso remained with Alpine.{{cite web |date=10 March 2022 |title=2022 FIA Formula One World Championship – Entry List |url=https://www.fia.com/events/fia-formula-one-world-championship/season-2022/2022-fia-formula-one-world-championship-entry |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114204626/https://www.fia.com/events/fia-formula-one-world-championship/season-2022/2022-fia-formula-one-world-championship-entry |archive-date=14 January 2022 |access-date=10 March 2022 |publisher=Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile}} Alonso achieved his highest start driving for Alpine during wet qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix, starting in second, but had to endure questionable strategies and an engine issue that developed during the race. He dropped down to seventh, and furthermore, received a post-race time penalty that dropped him down to ninth.{{Cite news |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=2022-06-19 |title=Verstappen holds off Sainz to win in Canada |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/61860298 |access-date=2022-06-21 |archive-date=21 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621172133/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/61860298 |url-status=live }}

Alonso joined Aston Martin on a multi-year deal in {{F1|2023}} alongside Lance Stroll.{{Cite web |date=1 August 2022 |title=Fernando Alonso signs to Aston Martin for 2023 on multi-year contract |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-fernando-alonso-signs-to-aston-martin-for-2023-on-multi-year.1i8QwJht5v7dBCWFCcrqml.html |access-date=2 August 2022 |website=Formula1 |archive-date=1 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220801083548/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-fernando-alonso-signs-to-aston-martin-for-2023-on-multi-year.1i8QwJht5v7dBCWFCcrqml.html |url-status=live }} He joined the team because he wanted a multi-year contract extension, and Alpine was only willing to give him one more year in F1.{{Cite web |date=1 August 2022 |title=Alpine thought it could treat Alonso as Piastri's seat-warmer |url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/alpine-thought-it-could-treat-alonso-as-piastris-seat-warmer/ |access-date=16 October 2022 |website=The Race |language=en-GB |archive-date=16 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016202427/https://the-race.com/formula-1/alpine-thought-it-could-treat-alonso-as-piastris-seat-warmer/ |url-status=live }}

File:FIA F1 Austria 2023 Nr. 14 (1).jpg, with Aston Martin]]

File:Fernando_Alonso_2024_Chinese_GP.jpg, with Aston Martin]]

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 (the German would finish second at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix but would be disqualified due to insufficient fuel sample).{{Cite news |last1=Das |first1=Andrew |last2=Katz |first2=Josh |date=5 March 2023 |title=Verstappen Runs Away With Formula 1 Opener |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/05/sports/autoracing/formula-1-race-bahrain.html |access-date=5 March 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=5 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305101256/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/05/sports/autoracing/formula-1-race-bahrain.html |url-status=live }} Despite having to serve a penalty due to his car being off-position at the starting grid, he finished in third again at the following race at the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix; this marked his 100th podium, making him the sixth driver to have scored 100 podiums in his career. Following the race, he was issued another ten-second penalty due to serving the first one improperly at his pit stop, dropping him to fourth behind George Russell;{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/24184/12838550/fernando-alonso-hits-out-at-poor-show-from-fia-amid-time-penalty-farce-at-saudi-arabian-grand-prixl|title=Fernando Alonso restored to third place at Saudi Arabian GP and hits out at 'poor show' from FIA|website=Sky Sports F1|date=19 March 2023|access-date=19 March 2023|archive-date=20 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320010634/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/24184/12838550/fernando-alonso-hits-out-at-poor-show-from-fia-amid-time-penalty-farce-at-saudi-arabian-grand-prixl|url-status=live}} however, the team's appeal was accepted and the second penalty was reversed, keeping his podium.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-alonso-loses-p3-and-100th-f1-podium-after-receiving-10s-penalty-in.4QbFJtlN8sUWqQXt4jJmmR.html|title='I am happy in the end with the result' – Alonso relieved after 100th career podium reinstated in Jeddah|website=Formula One website|date=19 March 2023|access-date=22 March 2023|archive-date=21 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321043117/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-alonso-loses-p3-and-100th-f1-podium-after-receiving-10s-penalty-in.4QbFJtlN8sUWqQXt4jJmmR.html|url-status=live}}

Alonso finished in third once again after a chaotic Australian Grand Prix; the third and final restart of the session saw his car make contact with the Ferrari of Carlos Sainz Jr., causing the latter driver to receive a five-second penalty; due to this, Sainz would be classified in last place out of the finishing cars. Alonso's car was undamaged.{{Cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12847996/australian-gp-max-verstappen-holds-off-lewis-hamilton-for-victory-after-wild-finish-to-chaotic-race|title=Australian GP: Max Verstappen holds off Lewis Hamilton for victory after wild finish to chaotic race|website=Sky Sports F1|date=2 April 2023|access-date=24 April 2023|archive-date=9 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409110829/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12847996/australian-gp-max-verstappen-holds-off-lewis-hamilton-for-victory-after-wild-finish-to-chaotic-race|url-status=live}} Alonso agreed with Sainz's criticisms of the penalty, stating that it was "too harsh".{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-blasts-most-unfair-penalty-ever-seeks-australian-gp-stewards-explanation/10452169/|title=Sainz blasts "most unfair penalty ever", seeks Australian GP stewards' explanation|website=Motorsport.com|last=Cobb|first=Haydn|date=2 April 2023|access-date=24 April 2023|archive-date=12 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412190415/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-blasts-most-unfair-penalty-ever-seeks-australian-gp-stewards-explanation/10452169/|url-status=live}} The Aston Martins were plagued with DRS issues during qualification of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, going on to qualify eighth in the new "sprint shootout" qualification{{cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-azerbaijan-gp-sprint-shootout-report/10462311/|title=F1 Azerbaijan GP: Leclerc doubles up for sprint race pole despite crash|last=Boxall-Legge|first=Jake|website=Autosport.com|date=29 April 2023|access-date=2 May 2023|archive-date=2 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502173647/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-azerbaijan-gp-sprint-shootout-report/10462311/|url-status=live}} and sixth for the main qualification session;{{Cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-azerbaijan-gp-leclerc-beats-red-bulls-for-grand-prix-pole/10461826/|title=F1 Azerbaijan GP: Leclerc beats Red Bulls for grand prix pole|first=Jake|last=Boxall-Legge|date=28 April 2023|website=Autosport|access-date=2 May 2023|archive-date=3 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503013841/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-azerbaijan-gp-leclerc-beats-red-bulls-for-grand-prix-pole/10461826/|url-status=live}} he would finish sixth in the sprint race,{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-azerbaijan-gp-perez-passes-leclerc-to-win-f1-sprint/10462575/|title=F1 Azerbaijan GP: Perez passes Leclerc to win F1 sprint|last=Boxall-Legge|first=Jake|website=Motorsport.com|date=29 April 2023|access-date=2 May 2023|archive-date=1 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501205749/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-azerbaijan-gp-perez-passes-leclerc-to-win-f1-sprint/10462575/|url-status=live}} and fourth in the main race.{{Cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-azerbaijan-gp-perez-leads-dominant-red-bull-1-2-from-leclerc/10463146/|title=F1 Azerbaijan GP: Perez leads dominant Red Bull 1-2 from Leclerc|last=Boxall-Legge|first=Jake|website=Autosport.com|date=30 April 2023|access-date=2 May 2023|archive-date=30 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430222636/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-azerbaijan-gp-perez-leads-dominant-red-bull-1-2-from-leclerc/10463146/|url-status=live}} 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,{{Cite news |url= https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-dutch-gp-verstappen-fends-off-alonso-in-red-flagged-rain-hit-race/10512346/ |title= F1 Dutch GP: Verstappen fends off Alonso in red-flagged, rain hit race |work= Autosport |date= 27 August 2023 |access-date= 28 August 2023 |last= Boxall-Legge |first= Jake |url-access= limited |archive-date= 28 August 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230828021055/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-dutch-gp-verstappen-fends-off-alonso-in-red-flagged-rain-hit-race/10512346/ |url-status= live }} where he recorded his first fastest lap since the 2017 Hungarian Grand Prix,{{Cite web |title=Fernando Alonso - Fastests laps |url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/fernando-alonso/meilleur-tour.aspx |access-date=2023-09-09 |website=Statsf1 |archive-date=4 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104084145/https://www.statsf1.com/en/fernando-alonso/meilleur-tour.aspx |url-status=live }} and São Paulo; the latter instance edging out Sergio Pérez by 0.053 seconds.{{cite news |last1=Benson |first1=Andrew |title='Alonso masterclass burnishes the legend of one of the greatest' |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/67329196 |access-date=6 November 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=5 November 2023 |archive-date=6 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106063932/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/67329196 |url-status=live }} 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 {{f1|2013}}.

At the 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix, Alonso competed in his 400th Grand Prix weekend, becoming the first driver to reach this number of races.{{cite web|url=https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/308168/fernando-alonso-explains-why-he-has-had-a-long-f1-career.html |title=Alonso blames "friendlier cars" for achieving milestone 400th GP weekend |work=GP Blog |first=Matt |last=Gretton |date=23 October 2024 |access-date=24 October 2024}}

Alonso made his sports car endurance racing debut at the 1999 24 Hours of Barcelona. Paired with Antonio García, Salvi Delmuns and the journalist Pedro Fermín Flores, the quartet finished third in the M10 class and tenth overall in a Hyundai Accent.{{Cite web|url=https://www.autobild.es/noticias/dia-alonso-debuto-resistencia-24-horas-barcelona-1999-187012|title=El día que Alonso debutó en resistencia: 24 Horas Barcelona 1999|last=Mancebo|first=Adrián|date=25 January 2018|website=Auto Bild|language=es|trans-title=El día que Alonso debutó en resistencia: 24 Horas Barcelona 1999|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191127213106/https://www.autobild.es/noticias/dia-alonso-debuto-resistencia-24-horas-barcelona-1999-187012|archive-date=27 November 2019|access-date=27 November 2019}} Alonso was due to enter the 2015 24 Hours of Le Mans with Porsche's Le Mans Prototype 1 team before Honda blocked it.{{Cite web|url=https://www.marca.com/en/2015/04/29/en/more_sports/1430329083.html|title=Alonso had deal with Porsche to race in Le Mans|last=Canseco|first=Marco|date=29 April 2015|website=Marca|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222220359/https://www.marca.com/en/2015/04/29/en/more_sports/1430329083.html|archive-date=22 December 2019|access-date=22 December 2019}}

File:Cadillac DPi-V.R - Petit Le Mans 2017.jpg Cadillac DPi-V.R driven in the 2019 24 Hours of Daytona (pictured at the 2017 Petit Le Mans).]]

Alonso drove a Ligier JS P217 entered by United Autosports in the 2018 24 Hours of Daytona as preparation for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.{{cite web|last=Bradley|first=Charles|title=Brown: United will "bring our A-game" for Alonso's Daytona bid|url=https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/alonso-daytona-rolex-united-brown-970743/1372204/|publisher=motorsport.com|date=26 October 2017|access-date=23 December 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223100950/https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/alonso-daytona-rolex-united-brown-970743/1372204/|archive-date=23 December 2019}} Alonso, Philip Hanson and McLaren reserve driver Lando Norris qualified 13th and finished 38th after multiple mechanical issues affected the car during the race.{{cite web|last=Pockrass|first=Bob|title=Fernando Alonso's Daytona 24 Hours scuppered by brake issues|url=https://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/22242826/fernando-alonso-daytona-24-hours-scuppered-brake-issues|publisher=ESPN|date=28 January 2018|access-date=23 December 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223100951/https://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/22242826/fernando-alonso-daytona-24-hours-scuppered-brake-issues|archive-date=23 December 2019}} Alonso returned to race in the 2019 24 Hours of Daytona with Wayne Taylor Racing. He shared a Cadillac DPi-V.R with Kamui Kobayashi, Renger van der Zande and Jordan Taylor. The quartet completed 593 laps to win the rain-shortened event.{{cite web|last=Klein|first=Jamie|title=Rolex 24: WTR wins shortened race as Alonso beats Nasr|url=https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/rolex-wayne-taylor-alonso-victory/4329602/|publisher=motorsport.com|date=27 January 2019|access-date=23 December 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223100952/https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/rolex-wayne-taylor-alonso-victory/4329602/|archive-date=23 December 2019}}

File:Toyota TS050 Alonso Silverstone 2018 Village.jpg at the 2018 6 Hours of Silverstone.]]

Brown discussed an entry for the 2018 24 Hours of Le Mans with Alonso and was prepared to consent to a switch to another team if certain circumstances were met.{{cite web|last=Watkins|first=Gary|title=Toyota open to Alonso discussions for Le Mans 2018|url=https://www.autosport.com/wec/news/131856/toyota-open-to-alonso-le-mans-talks|work=Autosport|date=16 September 2017|access-date=23 December 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223100949/https://www.autosport.com/wec/news/131856/toyota-open-to-alonso-le-mans-talks|archive-date=23 December 2019}} Alonso and Toyota held talks and agreed to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/41947568|title=Fernando Alonso to race Le Mans next year for Toyota|last=Benson|first=Andrew|date=10 November 2017|publisher=BBC Sport|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223154842/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/41947568|archive-date=23 December 2019|access-date=23 December 2019}} He visited Toyota's factory in Cologne for a seat fitting in a TS050 Hybrid in November 2017.{{cite web|last=Goodwin|first=Graham|title=Alonso Visits Toyota in Cologne For 'Seat Fitting'|url=http://www.dailysportscar.com/2017/11/07/alonso-visits-toyota-in-cologne-for-seat-fitting.html|publisher=DailySportsCar|date=7 November 2017|access-date=23 December 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223100958/http://www.dailysportscar.com/2017/11/07/alonso-visits-toyota-in-cologne-for-seat-fitting.html|archive-date=23 December 2019}} Toyota entered Alonso into a post-season rookie test at the Bahrain International Circuit later that month.{{Cite web|url=https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/alonso-happy-to-complete-long-awaited-maiden-lmp1-test/|title=Alonso Happy to Complete Long-Awaited Maiden LMP1 Test|last=Smith|first=Luke|date=19 November 2017|publisher=SportsCar365|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190324191203/https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/alonso-happy-to-complete-long-awaited-maiden-lmp1-test/|archive-date=24 March 2019|access-date=23 December 2019}} In January 2018, McLaren and Toyota reached an agreement to allow Alonso to enter the full 2018–19 FIA World Endurance Championship.{{efn|The owners of the Fuji Speedway, which organised the 6 Hours of Fuji, had a request granted for its race to be moved back by a week to allow Alonso to compete in the event and avoid a date clash with the 2018 United States Grand Prix.}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/wec/news/alonso-le-mans-world-endurance-championship-toyota-mclaren-1000481/1388858/|title=Alonso joins Toyota for Le Mans debut, other WEC races|last=Noble|first=Jonathan|date=30 January 2018|publisher=motorsport.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223154841/https://www.motorsport.com/wec/news/alonso-le-mans-world-endurance-championship-toyota-mclaren-1000481/1388858/|archive-date=23 December 2019|access-date=23 December 2019}} He joined Sébastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima in Toyota's {{Abbr|No.|Car number}} 8 TS050 Hybrid.{{Cite web|url=https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/motorsport-le-mans/fernando-alonso-contest-entire-wec-season-after-race-moved-avoid-f1|title=Fernando Alonso to contest entire WEC season after race moved to avoid F1 clash|last=Sheehan|first=Sam|date=9 February 2018|website=Autocar|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223160345/https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/motorsport-le-mans/fernando-alonso-contest-entire-wec-season-after-race-moved-avoid-f1|archive-date=23 December 2019|access-date=23 December 2019}}

File:Toyota Gazoo Racing's Toyota TS050 Hybrid No. 8 Fernando Alonso, Sébastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima.jpg]]

Alonso drove a 2018 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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/22364262/alonso-tests-toyota-le-mans-rocket-ship|title=Alonso tests Toyota's Le Mans 'rocket ship'|last=Saunders|first=Nate|date=8 February 2018|publisher=ESPN|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190522185925/http://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/22364262/alonso-tests-toyota-le-mans-rocket-ship|archive-date=22 May 2019|access-date=23 December 2019}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/05/04/alonso-aiming-for-more-than-a-le-mans-win.html|title=Alonso Aiming For More Than Just A Le Mans Win in Sportscars|last=Tickell|first=Sam|date=4 May 2018|publisher=DailySportsCar|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223154838/http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/05/04/alonso-aiming-for-more-than-a-le-mans-win.html|archive-date=23 December 2019|access-date=23 December 2019}} He, Buemi and Nakajima won the LMP1 Drivers' Championship with five victories including the 2018 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 2019 24 Hours of Le Mans over the eight round season, though this was enhanced by their teammates Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and José María López suffering a sensor issue while leading the 2019 6 Hours of Spa and then suffering a puncture while comfortably leading the 2019 24 Hours of Le Mans with an hour remaining.{{Cite web|url=https://wec-magazin.com/alonso-buemi-nakajima-wrap-up-world-championship/|title=Alonso, Buemi & Nakajima wrap up World Championship|last=Tunnicliffe|first=David|work=WEC-Magazin |date=17 June 2019|publisher=WEC Magazin|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223154840/https://wec-magazin.com/alonso-buemi-nakajima-wrap-up-world-championship/|archive-date=23 December 2019|access-date=23 December 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://wec-magazin.com/toyota-and-aston-martin-victorious-in-6-hours-of-spa/|title=Toyota and Aston Martin victorious in Spa|last=David {{!}}|date=4 May 2019|website=WEC-Magazin|language=en-GB|access-date=17 March 2020|archive-date=26 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126232126/https://wec-magazin.com/toyota-and-aston-martin-victorious-in-6-hours-of-spa/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/lemans/news/toyota-wiring-issue-conway-kobayashi-lopez/4478020/|title=Toyota diagnoses wiring issue that cost #7 car Le Mans victory|website=www.motorsport.com|date=20 June 2019 |language=en|access-date=17 March 2020|archive-date=26 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126232123/https://www.motorsport.com/lemans/news/toyota-wiring-issue-conway-kobayashi-lopez/4478020/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/lemans/news/final-report-toyota-wins-ferrari/4475585/|title=Le Mans 24h: Alonso, Buemi, Nakajima win again for Toyota|website=www.motorsport.com|date=16 June 2019 |language=en|access-date=17 March 2020|archive-date=26 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126232142/https://www.motorsport.com/lemans/news/final-report-toyota-wins-ferrari/4475585/|url-status=live}} Alonso left the series at the end of the season.{{Cite news|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-motor-lemans-alonso/alonso-to-leave-toyota-wec-team-after-le-mans-idUKKCN1S73SW|title=Alonso to leave Toyota WEC team after Le Mans|last=Baldwin|first=Alan|date=1 May 2019|access-date=23 December 2019|url-status=dead|work=Reuters|editor-last=Ferris|editor-first=Ken|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223154842/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-motor-lemans-alonso/alonso-to-leave-toyota-wec-team-after-le-mans-idUKKCN1S73SW|archive-date=23 December 2019}}

File:Dallara DW12 (Fernando Alonso) 2017 Indianapolis 500.jpg.]]

Before the 2017 Australian Grand Prix, Zak Brown said to Alonso they should enter the 2017 Indianapolis 500 to which Alonso suggested he was joking. The idea later re-emerged in a conversation in Los Angeles, when Alonso told Brown he was happy with the idea since McLaren had won it before. He and his manager Garcia Abad met Brown and Éric Boullier in China to talk more about the plan and said he would decide the next day. Alonso told Brown he wanted to race at Indianapolis and told him it was "a good decision for everyone: a win, win for myself, for F1, the fans, everyone'."{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/indycar/news/alonso-indy-500-idea-was-originally-a-joke-says-brown-893019/893019/|title=Alonso Indy 500 idea was originally a joke, says Brown|last=Noble|first=Jonathan|date=12 April 2017|publisher=motorsport.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223181503/https://www.motorsport.com/indycar/news/alonso-indy-500-idea-was-originally-a-joke-says-brown-893019/893019/|archive-date=23 December 2019|access-date=23 December 2019}} Brown then spoke to the IndyCar Series chief executive officer Mark Miles and discovered that there were no Honda-powered cars.{{cite web|last=Barstow|first=Ollie|title=The British driver that made Alonso's Indy 500 deal possible|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/news/243573/1/the-british-driver-that-made-alonsos-indy-500-deal-possible|publisher=Crash|date=12 April 2017|access-date=23 December 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223201108/https://www.crash.net/f1/news/243573/1/the-british-driver-that-made-alonsos-indy-500-deal-possible|archive-date=23 December 2019}} Miles met the Andretti Autosport owner Michael Andretti, who got driver Stefan Wilson to agree to forego his planned entry in partnership with Michael Shank Racing and allow Alonso to drive instead.{{cite web|last=Adam|first=Mitchell|title=Stefan Wilson parked 2017 Indy 500 bid for McLaren and Alonso|url=https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/128937/stefan-wilson-parked-indy-500-bid-for-alonso|work=Autosport|date=12 April 2017|access-date=23 December 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223201100/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/128937/stefan-wilson-parked-indy-500-bid-for-alonso|archive-date=23 December 2019}}

Driving the No. 29 McLaren-Honda-Andretti Dallara DW12,{{cite web|last=Khorounzhiy|first=Valentin|title=Livery unveiled for Alonso's Indy 500 campaign|url=https://www.motorsport.com/indycar/news/livery-unveiled-for-alonso-s-indy-500-campaign-901393/901393/|publisher=motorsport.com|date=3 May 2017|access-date=24 December 2019|archive-date=26 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126232458/https://www.motorsport.com/indycar/news/livery-unveiled-for-alonso-s-indy-500-campaign-901393/901393/|url-status=live}} he completed a three-stage rookie orientation programme at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on 3 May.{{efn|More than two million watched a livestream of the rookie orientation programme on social media.{{cite web|last=Saunders|first=Nate|title=Over 2 million watched Fernando Alonso's Indy 500 test|url=https://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/19314643/over-2-million-watched-fernando-alonso-indy-500-test|publisher=ESPN|date=5 May 2017|access-date=24 December 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203021625/http://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/19314643/over-2-million-watched-fernando-alonso-indy-500-test|archive-date=3 December 2018}}}}{{cite news|last=Ayello|first=Jim|title=Insider: Fernando Alonso enjoys 'perfect' IMS debut|url=https://eu.indystar.com/story/sports/motor/2017/05/03/insider-fernando-alonso-enjoy-perfect-indy-car-debut-ims/101263146/|work=The Indianapolis Star|date=4 May 2017|access-date=24 December 2019|archive-date=23 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323145655/https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/motor/2017/05/03/insider-fernando-alonso-enjoy-perfect-indy-car-debut-ims/101263146/|url-status=live}} Alonso advanced to the Fast Nine shootout in qualifying and set the fifth-fastest four-lap average speed; in the race, he led four times for a total of 27 laps before his engine failed with 21 laps to go.{{cite web|last=Martin|first=Bruce|title=Excellent adventure: Fernando Alonso's road to the Indy 500|url=https://autoweek.com/article/indy-500/excellent-adventure-fernando-alonsos-road-indy-500|work=Autoweek|date=3 June 2017|access-date=24 December 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203180147/https://autoweek.com/article/indy-500/excellent-adventure-fernando-alonsos-road-indy-500|archive-date=3 February 2019}} Alonso was classified 24th.{{cite web|title=Alonso named Indy 500 Rookie of the Year|url=https://en.as.com/en/2017/05/30/other_sports/1496141050_266928.html|work=AS|date=30 May 2017|access-date=24 December 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613215455/http://en.as.com/en/2017/05/30/other_sports/1496141050_266928.html|archive-date=13 June 2017}}

File:Fernando Alonso - 2019 Indy 500.jpg]]

McLaren began planning an entry for him in the 2019 IndyCar Series in August 2018 and would be supported by the series.{{cite web|last=Errington|first=Tom|title=IndyCar: McLaren plans a series switch for Fernando Alonso in 2019|url=https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/138028/mclaren-plotting-alonso-indycar-move-for-2019|work=Autosport|date=14 August 2018|access-date=24 December 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224160709/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/138028/mclaren-plotting-alonso-indycar-move-for-2019|archive-date=24 December 2019}} Alonso tested a 2018-specification Andretti Autosport-entered Dallara DW12-Honda at the Barber Motorsports Park on 5 September.{{cite web|last=Pruett|first=Marshall|title=Alonso pleased with IndyCar Barber test|url=https://racer.com/2018/09/05/alonso-pleased-with-indycar-barber-test/|work=Racer|date=5 September 2018|access-date=24 December 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224160711/https://racer.com/2018/09/05/alonso-pleased-with-indycar-barber-test/|archive-date=24 December 2019}} McLaren opted to enter just the 2019 Indianapolis 500 due to its focus on Formula One and collaborated with Carlin Motorsport in a logistical and technical partnership and signed an engine supply deal with Chevrolet.{{cite web|last=Beer|first=Matt|title=How Alonso and McLaren's 2019 Indianapolis 500 attempt unravelled|url=https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/143527/how-alonso-and-mclaren-indy-500-unravelled|work=Autosport|date=20 May 2019|access-date=24 December 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224160709/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/143527/how-alonso-and-mclaren-indy-500-unravelled|archive-date=24 December 2019}} Alonso ventured to the McLaren Technology Centre in early March 2019 for a seat fitting to become comfortable in the No. 66 Dallara IR18-Chevrolet and its brake pedal was shifted away from his feet since it is used less in IndyCar than in Formula One. Andy Brown was Alonso's race engineer and his chief mechanic was Liam Dance.{{cite web|title=Fernando's Indy 500 Seat Fit|url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2019/indy-500/fernando-alonso-seat-fit/|publisher=McLaren|date=6 March 2019|access-date=24 December 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224160710/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2019/indy-500/fernando-alonso-seat-fit/|archive-date=24 December 2019}}
{{cite web|last=Malsher|first=David|title=Alonso has McLaren seat fit ahead of Indy 500 return|url=https://www.motorsport.com/indycar/news/alonso-mclaren-indycar-indy-seat/4348176/|publisher=motorsport.com|date=6 March 2019|access-date=24 December 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224160705/https://www.motorsport.com/indycar/news/alonso-mclaren-indycar-indy-seat/4348176/|archive-date=24 December 2019}} Alonso did not qualify after Juncos Racing's Kyle Kaiser demoted him to 34th.{{efn|McLaren offered to purchase the Arrow Schmidt Peterson car of Oriol Servià to allow Alonso to enter the race and meet sponsorship obligations since the two teams were in a partnership. Alonso was against replacing a driver who had qualified and McLaren opted against doing so.{{cite news|last=Fryer|first=Jenna|title=Alonso Rejects McLaren Offer to Buy Him Indy 500 Seat|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/sports/articles/2019-05-20/alonso-rejects-mclaren-offer-to-buy-him-indy-500-seat|work=U.S. News & World Report|agency=Associated Press|date=20 May 2019|access-date=24 December 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224211020/https://www.usnews.com/news/sports/articles/2019-05-20/alonso-rejects-mclaren-offer-to-buy-him-indy-500-seat|archive-date=24 December 2019}}}} Reasons included a dismantled spare car needed to assembled and flown from Carlin's factory after Alonso crashed in practice. An error converting from the American imperial system to the British metric system caused his car to scrape along the tarmac surface and incorrect gear ratios slowed him.{{cite web|last=Saunders|first=Nate|title=McLaren explains comedy of errors that led to Fernando Alonso's Indy 500 nightmare|url=https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/26806757/mclaren-explains-comedy-errors-led-fernando-alonso-indy-500-nightmare|publisher=ESPN|date=23 May 2019|access-date=24 December 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117071953/https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/26806757/mclaren-explains-comedy-errors-led-fernando-alonso-indy-500-nightmare|archive-date=17 November 2019}}

He entered the 2020 Indianapolis 500 with Arrow McLaren SP after an agreement with Andretti Autosports fell through.{{cite web|last=Martin|first=Bruce|title=Why it's important for Fernando Alonso to be in the Indianapolis 500|url=https://motorsports.nbcsports.com/2020/02/25/fernando-alonso-michael-andretti-sam-schmidt-zak-brown-indianapolis-500-indianapolis-motor-speedway/|publisher=NBC Sports|date=25 February 2020|access-date=13 March 2020|archive-date=15 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200315152759/https://motorsports.nbcsports.com/2020/02/25/fernando-alonso-michael-andretti-sam-schmidt-zak-brown-indianapolis-500-indianapolis-motor-speedway/|url-status=live}}

Alonso had a crash during practice. He qualified 26th.{{Cite web|url=https://the-race.com/indycar/why-alonsos-indy-dream-is-alive-despite-disaster-qualifying/|title=Why Alonso's Indy dream is alive despite disaster qualifying|date=16 August 2020|website=The Race|access-date=18 August 2020|archive-date=26 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126233956/https://the-race.com/indycar/why-alonsos-indy-dream-is-alive-despite-disaster-qualifying/|url-status=live}}

Alonso did manage to finish the race. He started 26th, was running 15th halfway through the race, and then ended up P21 and one lap down because of a clutch issue causing the team to manually start the car during every pit stop.{{Cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.alonso-reveals-a-clutch-problem-derailed-his-indy-500-bid-as-ex-f1-racer.274JiGOUmrg9PmxxNf4QUZ.html|title=Fernando Alonso reveals a clutch problem derailed his Indy 500 bid as ex-F1 racer Takuma Sato took victory|website=www.formula1.com|access-date=25 August 2020|archive-date=4 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204013850/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.alonso-reveals-a-clutch-problem-derailed-his-indy-500-bid-as-ex-f1-racer.274JiGOUmrg9PmxxNf4QUZ.html|url-status=live}}

Alonso entered the Dakar Rally with Toyota in 2020 following a five-month testing programme in Africa, Europe and the Middle East and driving a series of races to better himself.{{Cite web |last=Keiloh |first=Graham |date=20 August 2019 |title=Fernando Alonso prepares for Dakar Rally with five-month test programme |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/news/rally/fernando-alonso-prepares-dakar-rally-five-month-test-programme |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191203131113/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/news/rally/fernando-alonso-prepares-dakar-rally-five-month-test-programme |archive-date=3 December 2019 |access-date=25 December 2019 |website=Motor Sport}}{{Cite web |last1=Lillo |first1=Sergio |last2=Khorounzhiy |first2=Valentin |date=20 August 2019 |title=Alonso begins Dakar 2020 preparations with Toyota |url=https://www.motorsport.com/dakar/news/alonso-toyota-preparations-dakar-debut/4515515/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191130194552/https://www.motorsport.com/dakar/news/alonso-toyota-preparations-dakar-debut/4515515/ |archive-date=30 November 2019 |access-date=25 December 2019 |publisher=Motorsport.com}} He raced in the Lichtenburg 400 in South Africa, the Rally du Maroc in Morocco and the Al Ula–Neom Rally in Saudi Arabia,{{cite news|title=Rallye-raid : Fernando Alonso participe au Rallye Al Ula-Neom|trans-title=Rally-raid: Fernando Alonso participates in the Rally Al Ula-Neom|url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Rallye-raid/Actualites/Rallye-raid-fernando-alonso-participe-au-rallye-al-ula-neom/1076956|work=L'Equipe|language=fr|date=5 November 2019|access-date=25 December 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225212309/https://www.lequipe.fr/Rallye-raid/Actualites/Rallye-raid-fernando-alonso-participe-au-rallye-al-ula-neom/1076956|archive-date=25 December 2019}} with the five-time Dakar Rally bike class winner Marc Coma his co-driver. Alonso was third at the Al Ula-Neom Rally, which was his highest finish in three preparation events.{{cite news|title=Fernando Alonso ramps up Dakar Rally preparations with podium finish at AlUla-Neom cross-country rally|url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1584101/sport|work=Arab News|date=14 November 2019|access-date=25 December 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128015853/https://www.arabnews.com/node/1584101/sport|archive-date=28 November 2019}} With co-driver Coma, he finished the Dakar in 13th position with a best stage finish of second place.{{Cite web |date=17 January 2020 |title=Dakar Rally 2020: Carlos Sainz wins third title as Fernando Alonso finishes 13th |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/motorsport/51146885 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202025646/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/motorsport/51146885 |archive-date=2 February 2020 |access-date=5 August 2021 |publisher=BBC Sport }} A stop for repairs on the second stage and a roll on the tenth lost him several hours in the general classification.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Luke |date=17 January 2020 |title=Alonso expecting Dakar Rally return in the future |url=https://www.crash.net/dakar/news/935496/1/alonso-expecting-dakar-rally-return-future?amp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200117231702/https://www.crash.net/dakar/news/935496/1/alonso-expecting-dakar-rally-return-future?amp |archive-date=17 January 2020 |access-date=8 February 2020 |publisher=Crash}}

{{quote box|width=33%|quote=The essence of his qualities is that he is very complete. You struggle to find a weak point, basically, in terms of high-level skills. The technical preparation in terms of driving. The ability to cope with a variety of situations. Intelligence - just [the] capacity to understand the situation while he is in or out of the car. Commitment... it is so difficult for Fernando to accept he is slower than someone else. It is very essential to his nature[,] which potentially might have created problems when he was not mature enough to manage this fundamental aspect of his identity... I have seen this with Michael [Schumacher]... This aspect of Fernando is certainly not less than Michael, but it expresses itself in different ways.|source=Alonso's race engineer at Ferrari, Andrea Stella, on Alonso's ability and similarities to Michael Schumacher{{Cite web |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=19 November 2018 |title=Fernando Alonso: Comparisons with Lewis Hamilton & what makes Spaniard an all-time great |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/46237953 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112014728/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/46237953 |archive-date=12 November 2020 |access-date=4 August 2021 |publisher=BBC Sport}}}}

Alonso is often regarded as one of the greatest F1 drivers in the history of the sport.{{ubl|{{Cite web |date=27 October 2016 |title=F1 media sees Alonso as best driver on current grid |url=http://en.f1i.com/news/77605-f1-media-sees-alonso-best-driver-current-grid.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228085012/http://en.f1i.com/news/77605-f1-media-sees-alonso-best-driver-current-grid.html |archive-date=28 February 2017 |access-date=28 February 2017 |website=f1i.com |last1=Billiotte |first1=Julien }}|{{cite web |url=http://www.roadandtrack.com/motorsports/news/a28898/f1-greatest-driver-of-all-time/ |title=Researchers Say Juan Manuel Fangio Was the Greatest F1 Driver of All Time |date=20 April 2016 |work=roadandtrack.com |access-date=28 February 2017 |archive-date=28 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228090415/http://www.roadandtrack.com/motorsports/news/a28898/f1-greatest-driver-of-all-time/ |url-status=live}}|{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/37704633 |title=Fernando Alonso: McLaren-Honda driver still Formula 1's gold standard |date=21 October 2016 |access-date=28 February 2017 |newspaper=BBC Sport |archive-date=28 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228091724/http://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/37704633 |url-status=live }}|{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/18957703 |title=Formula 1's greatest drivers. Number 10: Fernando Alonso |date=25 July 2012 |access-date=28 February 2017 |newspaper=BBC Sport |archive-date=28 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228091734/http://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/18957703 |url-status=live }}|{{cite web |url=http://www.grandprix247.com/2015/04/24/hamilton-alonso-is-one-of-the-best-drivers-f1-has-ever-seen/ |title=Hamilton: Alonso is one of the best drivers F1 has ever seen |work=grandprix247.com |date=24 April 2015 |access-date=28 February 2017 |archive-date=15 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915112741/https://www.grandprix247.com/2015/04/24/hamilton-alonso-is-one-of-the-best-drivers-f1-has-ever-seen/ |url-status=live }}|{{cite web |url=http://www.marca.com/en/2015/04/24/en/more_sports/1429899278.html |title=More Sports: Hamilton: "Alonso is one of the best drivers F1 has ever seen" – MARCA.com (English version) |website=Marca |date=24 April 2015 |access-date=28 February 2017 |archive-date=28 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228092025/http://www.marca.com/en/2015/04/24/en/more_sports/1429899278.html |url-status=live }}|{{cite web |url=http://www.givemesport.com/538705-fernando-alonso-was-formula-1s-best-driver-in-2014 |title=Fernando Alonso was Formula 1's best driver in 2014 |date=16 January 2015 |work=GiveMeSport |access-date=28 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228083833/http://www.givemesport.com/538705-fernando-alonso-was-formula-1s-best-driver-in-2014 |archive-date=28 February 2017 |url-status=dead }}}} Journalists and fellow drivers regarded Alonso as a fast and consistent driver who can extract additional pace from a car in all weathers and on all tracks. Fisichella said Alonso understands when to go faster and when to preserve his tyres in a race.{{Cite journal |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=September 2012 |title=Alonso: F1's fastest driver? |url=http://porschecarshistory.com/wp-content/old/lib/magazines/racing/2012/09.2012.pdf |url-status=live |journal=F1 Racing |pages=46–53 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805141902/https://porschecarshistory.com/wp-content/old/lib/magazines/racing/2012/09.2012.pdf |archive-date=5 August 2021 |access-date=26 November 2019 |number=199}} Former racing driver and Sky Sports pundit Martin Brundle described Alonso as "Senna-like in his intimate feel for where the grip is" and cited the driver's knowledge on how much grip to use for the entry to a turn. He drives aggressively and uses a braking area to put a car into a corner without losing speed exiting it. This allows Alonso to keep it "on the edge of adhesion" and it has been observed during a qualifying session and the first laps of a race. 1979 world champion Jody Scheckter has criticised Alonso for causing problems in teams.{{clarify|date=August 2022}}{{cite web |url=https://www.givemesport.com/1372947-fernando-alonso-has-been-overrated-by-people-in-formula-one-says-former-champion |title='Overrated' – Former F1 champion has shared his honest opinion on Fernando Alonso |date=15 August 2018 |access-date=6 August 2022 |archive-date=12 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230312035350/https://www.givemesport.com/1372947-fernando-alonso-has-been-overrated-by-people-in-formula-one-says-former-champion/ |url-status=live }} This opinion is shared by Christian Horner, who ruled out signing Alonso for Red Bull, as he caused chaos in previous teams.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/24326646/red-bull-rules-signing-fernando-alonso-causes-chaos |title=Red Bull rules out signing Alonso because he causes 'chaos' |date=9 August 2018 |access-date=6 August 2022 |archive-date=12 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230312035345/https://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/24326646/red-bull-rules-signing-fernando-alonso-causes-chaos |url-status=live }}

Alonso's experience increased his awareness of events around him and competitors in a race and adjusted his situation to focus on the drivers' championship.{{Cite web |last=Galloway |first=James |date=24 November 2018 |title=Fernando Alonso leaves F1: What has made him so good? |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11549139/fernando-alonso-leaves-f1-what-has-made-him-so-good |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226111459/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11549139/fernando-alonso-leaves-f1-what-has-made-him-so-good |archive-date=26 December 2019 |access-date=26 December 2019 |publisher=Sky Sports}} Alonso is an all-round driver who can mount an apex and correct a sliding car to go faster.{{Cite web |last=James |first=Neil |date=23 September 2014 |title=Why Fernando Alonso's Formula 1 Skills Shine so Clearly at the Singapore GP |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2207953-why-fernando-alonsos-formula-1-skills-shine-so-clearly-at-the-singapore-gp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220102956/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2207953-why-fernando-alonsos-formula-1-skills-shine-so-clearly-at-the-singapore-gp |archive-date=20 December 2019 |access-date=20 December 2019 |publisher=Bleacher Report}} He is careful in finding the ideal feeling with his brakes and can apply the maximum amount of force with a fast response time. Alonso's physical strength contrasts his braking skill and regularly exceeded that limit without overdoing it on multiple conditions. According to Jonathan Noble of Motorsport.com, this allows Alonso to "create a kind of natural ABS – fully exploiting tyre grip to achieve greater speeds while turning without locking the wheels."{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Jonathan |date=9 September 2015 |title=The real differences: Hamilton vs Senna vs Schumacher vs Alonso |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/the-real-differences-hamilton-vs-senna-vs-schumacher-vs-alonso/641644/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225215539/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/the-real-differences-hamilton-vs-senna-vs-schumacher-vs-alonso/641644/ |archive-date=25 December 2019 |access-date=25 December 2019 |publisher=Motorsport.com}}

File:Fernando Alonso 2006 helmet front-left 2017 Museo Fernando Alonso.jpg helmet used during the 2006 Formula One World Championship]]

Alonso's helmet manufactured by Bieffe (2001), Arai (2003–2009, 2016), Schuberth (2010–2015){{Cite web |title=Alonso switches helmet design and supplier - F1technical.net |url=http://www.f1technical.net/news/14016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008021653/http://www.f1technical.net/news/14016 |archive-date=8 October 2017 |access-date=6 June 2017 |website=f1technical.net|date=16 January 2010 }}{{Cite web |title=Alonso changes the design and the brand of your helmet: Schuberth to Arai – Most Reliable Car Brands |url=http://www.mostreliablecarbrands.com/alonso-changes-the-design-and-the-brand-of-your-helmet-schuberth-to-arai/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015045512/http://www.mostreliablecarbrands.com/alonso-changes-the-design-and-the-brand-of-your-helmet-schuberth-to-arai/ |archive-date=15 October 2017 |access-date=6 June 2017 |website=www.mostreliablecarbrands.com|date=19 February 2016 }}

Bell (2017–){{Cite web |date=21 February 2017 |title=Alonso rings the Bell with new head protection |url=http://en.f1i.com/news/89539-alonso-rings-bell-new-head-protection.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170528091558/http://en.f1i.com/news/89539-alonso-rings-bell-new-head-protection.html |archive-date=28 May 2017 |access-date=6 June 2017 |website=f1i.com}} sports the yellow and red colours of the flag of Spain with shades of blue from the Asturias flag and coupled with two silver thunderbolt arrows derived from a remote control car he received as a present in his childhood on top and a yellow Asturian cross (sometimes on the back, other times on the side).{{Cite journal |date=November 2017 |title=Fernando Alonso: Me and My Lid |url=https://www.pressreader.com/uk/f1-racing-uk/20171101/282591673169991 |url-status=live |journal=F1 Racing |issue=261 |page=114 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226141814/https://www.pressreader.com/uk/f1-racing-uk/20171101/282591673169991 |archive-date=26 December 2019 |access-date=26 December 2019 |via=PressReader}} He changed its mainbase colour design when switching teams during his F1 career; in 2008 Alonso attached two pictures of a spade, ace and heart symbol to show he was a two-time world champion.{{Cite web |date=16 January 2008 |title=Alonso unveils 'new' helmet design |url=https://www.crash.net/f1/news/61001/1/alonso-wants-rest-to-chase-the-ace |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226141823/https://www.crash.net/f1/news/61001/1/alonso-wants-rest-to-chase-the-ace |archive-date=26 December 2019 |access-date=26 December 2019 |publisher=Crash}}

File:Fernando Alonso 2013 India helmet 2017 Museo Fernando Alonso.jpg to commemorate him scoring 1571 career points]]

For three successive Monaco Grand Prix from 2011 to 2013 and at the 2011 Singapore Grand Prix, he wore a gold and white coloured helmet to replace the blue and yellow.{{Cite news |date=22 May 2012 |title=Fernando Alonso reveals his new helmet ahead of the Monaco GP |work=AS |url=https://as.com/diarioas/2012/05/22/english/1337715116_850210.html |url-status=live |access-date=26 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226141815/https://as.com/diarioas/2012/05/22/english/1337715116_850210.html |archive-date=26 December 2019}}
{{Cite web |last=Collantine |first=Keith |date=23 May 2013 |title=Drivers change helmet designs for Monaco weekend |url=https://www.racefans.net/2013/05/23/drivers-change-helmet-designs-for-monaco-weekend/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805141901/https://www.racefans.net/2013/05/23/drivers-change-helmet-designs-for-monaco-weekend/ |archive-date=5 August 2021 |access-date=26 December 2019 |publisher=RaceFans}} At the following 2013 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" accompanied with a thank you message in English, French and Italian.{{Cite news |date=23 October 2013 |title=New helmet design for Fernando Alonso |publisher=GPUpdate |url=http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/302117/new-helmet-design-for-alonso/ |url-status=dead |access-date=18 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202233315/http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/302117/new-helmet-design-for-alonso/ |archive-date=2 December 2013}}

His final event for Ferrari at the 2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix saw him wear a helmet with a picture depicting a pit stop in that year in the colour red, signature of various team members and the flag of Italy in the centre.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Luke |date=20 November 2014 |title=Alonso changes helmet, Williams alters livery, other minor changes for Abu Dhabi GP |url=https://motorsports.nbcsports.com/2014/11/20/alonso-changes-helmet-williams-alters-livery-other-minor-changes-for-abu-dhabi-gp/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413211452/https://motorsports.nbcsports.com/2014/11/20/alonso-changes-helmet-williams-alters-livery-other-minor-changes-for-abu-dhabi-gp/ |archive-date=13 April 2019 |access-date=26 December 2019 |publisher=NBC Sports}} At the 2017 Indianapolis 500 and the 2017 United States Grand Prix, Alonso sported a black helmet with red, yellow and blue stripes around it and his race number.{{Cite web |last=Bradley |first=Charles |date=3 January 2018 |title=Alonso reveals special Daytona 24 Hours helmet design |url=https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/alonso-reveals-special-daytona-helmet-992551/1385220/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226161034/https://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/alonso-reveals-special-daytona-helmet-992551/1385220/ |archive-date=26 December 2019 |access-date=26 December 2019 |publisher=Motorsport.com}}{{Cite web |last=Saunders |first=Nate |date=13 October 2017 |title=Fernando Alonso to wear Indy 500 helmet at U.S. Grand Prix |url=https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/21008793/fernando-alonso-wear-indy-500-helmet-us-grand-prix |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226161030/https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/21008793/fernando-alonso-wear-indy-500-helmet-us-grand-prix |archive-date=26 December 2019 |access-date=26 December 2019 |publisher=ESPN}} He revised the livery for the 2018 24 Hours of Daytona to white instead of black and had no stripes around the front. The back had the layout of the Daytona International Speedway and continued to have his usual blue, red and yellow colours.

In 2018 Alonso changed its front livery to be predominantly blue with the back top lighter blue and the rear red and yellow.{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Ryan |date=21 February 2018 |title=Fernando Alonso unveils 2018 Formula 1 helmet design |url=https://www.motorsportweek.com/news/id/17000 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226184757/https://www.motorsportweek.com/news/id/17000 |archive-date=26 December 2019 |access-date=26 December 2019 |publisher=Motorsport Week}} 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. The yellow on that area was replaced by gold between two horizontal stripes in red and a thick vertical strip was added with a list of Alonso's 32 F1 race victories.{{Cite web |last=Mitchell |first=Scott |date=22 November 2018 |title=Alonso reveals new helmet design for final F1 race |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alonso-helmet-design-final-race/4301676/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407141514/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alonso-helmet-design-final-race/4301676/ |archive-date=7 April 2019 |access-date=26 December 2019 |publisher=Motorsport.com}}

For the 2014 season, the FIA created a new regulation allowing drivers to select specific car numbers for use throughout their F1 career. Alonso requested the number 14 for it has been his lucky number since his world karting championship victory in a kart with number 14, at the age of 14, on 14 July 1996.{{Cite web |last=Elizade |first=Pablo |date=20 December 2013 |title=Fernando Alonso requests 14 as his Formula 1 car number |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/111929/alonso-requests-14-as-car-number |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226184753/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/111929/alonso-requests-14-as-car-number |archive-date=26 December 2019 |access-date=26 December 2019 |website=Autosport}}

Alonso operates a driver management company, A14 Management. A14 Management manages a portfolio of young drivers across several motorsport disciplines. For the 2023 season, this included Maximilian Günther, Clément Novalak, Nikola Tsolov, Gabriel Bortoleto, Pepe Martí, Han Cenyu, Andrés Cárdenas and Carl Bennett.{{Cite news |title=A14 Management |website=A14management.com |url=https://www.a14management.com/ |accessdate=9 June 2023 |archive-date=10 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230510033852/https://www.a14management.com/ |url-status=live }}

Nate Saunders of ESPN writes that Alonso "is one of the most eloquent speakers in F1 and one of the best at interacting with the media".{{Cite web |last=Saunders |first=Nate |date=5 November 2018 |title=The art of deciphering Alonsospeak |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/23902592/the-art-deciphering-fernando-alonso-alonsospeak |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190903175905/https://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/23902592/the-art-deciphering-fernando-alonso-alonsospeak |archive-date=3 September 2019 |access-date=3 September 2019 |publisher=ESPN}} He occasionally uses press conferences with the press to cultivate particular narratives of a story, convey himself as controlling the F1 driver market or as the one with knowledge of facts of a situation. Alonso dislikes fame and prefers a private life,{{Cite journal |last=Roebuck |first=Nigel |author-link=Nigel Roebuck |date=December 2010 |title=A fighter with a Lion's heart |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/december-2010/42/fighter-lions-heart |url-status=live |journal=Motor Sport |volume=86 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214094232/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/december-2010/42/fighter-lions-heart |archive-date=14 December 2018 |access-date=26 November 2019 |number=12}} with Chris Jenkins of USA Today describing him as shy. He has been noted for refraining from expensive habits and possessions.{{Cite news |last=Eason |first=Kevin |date=4 March 2006 |title=Diamonds aren't for ever; The Champion |page=10 |work=The Times |url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A142860706/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=faf56ea1 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=11 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805141957/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA142860706&v=2.1&it=r&sid=GPS&asid=faf56ea1 |archive-date=5 August 2021 |via=Gale Academic OneFile}}

File:Honda Racing Thanks Day 2015 - Alonso cropped.jpg

Alonso's public persona has been noted as being different from his private personality.{{Cite journal |last=Anderson |first=Ben |date=20 August 2015 |title=The Real Fernando Alonso – Understanding F1's Most Enigmatic Driver |url=http://porschecarshistory.com/wp-content/old/lib/magazines/autosport/2015/08/AS2015.08.20.pdf |url-status=live |journal=Autosport |volume=221 |pages=10–23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805142000/https://porschecarshistory.com/wp-content/old/lib/magazines/autosport/2015/08/AS2015.08.20.pdf |archive-date=5 August 2021 |access-date=26 November 2019 |number=8}} Fellow Spanish driver Carlos Sainz Jr. claimed "there are two Fernandos", alluding to Alonso's defensive nature when criticised because of his shyness, compared to his sense of humour, generosity and kind-nature when not racing. According to the Autosport journalist Ben Anderson, Alonso's success in F1 required him to behave egotistically and selfishly and to have a self-confidence, in order to cope with the consequences of "burst[ing] egotistical bubbles" to improve himself. Alonso acknowledged the façade and told Anderson "I know who I am outside of F1, but that remains a question mark for everybody because I like to separate my personal life from my professional life" and his different personality traits in public and private. Alonso made a voice cameo appearance as an anthropomorphic version of himself in the Spanish dub of Cars 2 (2011),{{Cite web |date=2 November 2016 |title=Lewis Hamilton and Call of Duty - five of the best F1 driver cameos |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/lewis-hamilton-and-call-of-duty-five-of-the-best-f1-driver-cameos/3221404/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804171405/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/lewis-hamilton-and-call-of-duty-five-of-the-best-f1-driver-cameos/3221404/ |archive-date=4 August 2021 |access-date=4 August 2021 |website=Motorsport.com}} and a voice command assistant in the Spanish dub of Cars 3 (2017).{{Cite web |date=23 December 2021 |title=From Lewis Hamilton to Michael Schumacher: WATCH F1 Drivers' Secret Guest Appearance in the Cars Movie Franchise |url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/f1-news-from-lewis-hamilton-to-michael-schumacher-watch-f1-drivers-secret-guest-appearance-in-the-cars-movie-franchise/ |access-date=28 December 2022 |website=EssentiallySports |archive-date=28 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221228164302/https://www.essentiallysports.com/f1-news-from-lewis-hamilton-to-michael-schumacher-watch-f1-drivers-secret-guest-appearance-in-the-cars-movie-franchise/ |url-status=live }}

Journalist Nigel Roebuck calls Alonso "the first world-class racing driver to come out of Spain", and is credited for popularising F1 in the country, where it was once considered a fringe sport and a lesser known form of motorsport than motorcycling and rallying.{{Cite news |last=Baldwin |first=Alan |date=14 April 2005 |title=Alonso measures up to Schumacher |work=The Times of Malta |agency=Reuters |url=https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/alonso-measures-up-to-schumacher.93285 |url-status=live |access-date=10 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210145850/https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/alonso-measures-up-to-schumacher.93285 |archive-date=10 December 2019}} He was Personality Media's favourite male athlete with a 99 per cent recognition rating amongst the Spanish public in 2015;{{Cite news |last=Puigemont |first=Oriol |date=21 August 2015 |title=How much do Spaniards like Fernando Alonso? |work=El País |url=https://elpais.com/elpais/2015/07/09/inenglish/1436437077_757319.html |url-status=live |access-date=27 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227161250/https://elpais.com/elpais/2015/07/09/inenglish/1436437077_757319.html |archive-date=27 December 2019}} in the latter part of his F1 career, Alonso was within the top two most popular drivers in the Grand Prix Drivers' Association fan surveys of 2010, 2015 and 2017.{{Cite book |last=Straw |first=Edd |url=https://motorsportstats.com/wp-content/uploads/Management_Report_2017.pdf |title=Formula1 in 2017: Global fan insight into the world's largest annual sporting series (2005–2017) |date=May 2017 |publisher=Motorsport Stats |page=40 |chapter=The F1 Competitors |access-date=27 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191102112950/https://motorsportstats.com/wp-content/uploads/Management_Report_2017.pdf |archive-date=2 November 2019 |url-status=live}}

The Fernando Alonso Sports Complex in Oviedo was opened in June 2015 and features a CIK-FIA compliant karting track featuring 29 layouts. A museum dedicated to his racing career, the 'Museo y Circuito Fernando Alonso', opened in the same year, featuring Alonso's race cars, helmets, overalls, and memorabilia.{{Cite news |date=26 June 2015 |title=Fernando Alonso inaugura un circuito y un museo con su nombre en Llanera |language=es |trans-title=Fernando Alonso inaugurates a circuit and a museum with his name in Llanera |work=El País |url=https://elpais.com/deportes/2015/06/26/actualidad/1435331631_245467.html |url-status=live |access-date=28 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816030242/https://elpais.com/deportes/2015/06/26/actualidad/1435331631_245467.html |archive-date=16 August 2019}}

File:Fernando Alonso NASCAR Media Tour 2018.jpg media tour in 2018]]

Alonso has done business with Banco Santander, Cajastur, TAG Heuer, Europcar, Silestone,{{Cite web |last=Long |first=Michael |date=24 May 2011 |title=The world's 24th most marketable athlete – Fernando Alonso |url=http://www.sportspromedia.com/analysis/the_worlds_24th_most_marketable_athlete_-_fernando_alonso |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227221202/http://www.sportspromedia.com/analysis/the_worlds_24th_most_marketable_athlete_-_fernando_alonso |archive-date=27 December 2019 |access-date=27 December 2019 |website=SportsPro}} Liberbank,{{Cite news |date=24 December 2019 |title=Fernando Alonso refuerza su compromiso por la seguridad vial |language=es |trans-title=Fernando Alonso reinforces its commitment to road safety |work=La Voz de Asturias |url=https://www.lavozdeasturias.es/noticia/asturias/2019/12/24/fernando-alonso-refuerza-compromiso-seguridad-vial/00031577201569434606229.htm |url-status=live |access-date=28 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225164845/https://www.lavozdeasturias.es/noticia/asturias/2019/12/24/fernando-alonso-refuerza-compromiso-seguridad-vial/00031577201569434606229.htm |archive-date=25 December 2019}} ING,{{Cite press release |title=ING launches global TV advertising campaign featuring Fernando Alonso |date=12 March 2008 |publisher=ING |url=https://www.ing.com/Newsroom/PBOld/ING-launches-global-TV-advertising-campaign-featuring-Fernando-Alonso.htm |access-date=28 December 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228131317/https://www.ing.com/Newsroom/PBOld/ING-launches-global-TV-advertising-campaign-featuring-Fernando-Alonso.htm |archive-date=28 December 2019}} Chandon,{{Cite news |date=26 March 2017 |title=F1 Star Fernando Alonso Returns For Chandon's New Video With McLaren-Honda F1 Team |work=B&T Magazine |url=https://www.bandt.com.au/f1-star-fernando-alonso-returns-chandons-new-video-mclaren-honda-f1-team/ |url-status=live |access-date=28 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805141922/https://www.bandt.com.au/f1-star-fernando-alonso-returns-chandons-new-video-mclaren-honda-f1-team/ |archive-date=5 August 2021}} Adidas,{{Cite web |date=14 May 2017 |title=Fernando Alonso Announces Sponsorship Deal With Adidas Motorsport |url=https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Global/Issues/2017/03/14/Marketing-and-Sponsorship/Fernando-Alonso.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227215658/https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Global/Issues/2017/03/14/Marketing-and-Sponsorship/Fernando-Alonso.aspx |archive-date=27 December 2019 |access-date=27 December 2019 |website=SportsBusiness Daily}} and Bang & Olufsen.{{Cite web |title=Fernando Alonso x Bang & Olufsen |url=https://www.bang-olufsen.com/en/story/alonso-collaboration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001044829/https://www.bang-olufsen.com/en/story/alonso-collaboration |archive-date=1 October 2020 |access-date=6 November 2020 |website=www.bang-olufsen.com}} He is the founder and brand ambassador of the fashion retailer Kimoa,{{Cite news |last=Idrees |first=Farah |date=1 June 2017 |title=On The Scene: KIMOA Celebrates Its U.S. Launch |work=The Knock Turnal |url=https://theknockturnal.com/kimoa-u-s-launch/ |url-status=live |access-date=27 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227215656/https://theknockturnal.com/kimoa-u-s-launch/ |archive-date=27 December 2019}} and intended to establish the Fernando Alonso Cycling Team to compete in UCI events in 2015 before the project failed to materialise.{{efn|The leaked Paradise Papers stated Alonso's manager Luis García Abad founded and constituted the Revolution Holdings Limited for the team on the Mediterranean island of Malta. Documents released to the Spanish media revealed the Directorate-General for the Treasury knew about its existence and accounts.}}{{Cite news |last=Pascual |first=Alfredo |date=8 November 2017 |title=Fernando Alonso's unborn cycling team had its operations base in Malta |work=El Confidencial |url=https://www.elconfidencial.com/economia/paradise-papers/2017-11-08/fernando-alonso-cycling-team-malta_1473384/ |url-status=live |access-date=27 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227215650/https://www.elconfidencial.com/economia/paradise-papers/2017-11-08/fernando-alonso-cycling-team-malta_1473384/ |archive-date=27 December 2019}} As a result of Alonso's endorsement money and F1 salary, he has been listed as one of the world's highest-paid athletes by Forbes every year from 2012 to 2018.{{Cite web |date=2012 |title=The World's 100 Highest-Paid Athletes: #19 Fernando Alonso |url=http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mli45igdi/19-fernando-alonso |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620210841/http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mli45igdi/19-fernando-alonso#gallerycontent |archive-date=20 June 2012 |access-date=28 December 2019 |website=Forbes}}
{{Cite web |date=2013 |title=The World's 100 Highest-Paid Athletes: #19 Fernando Alonso |url=http://www.forbes.com/profile/fernando-alonso |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130902091423/http://www.forbes.com/profile/fernando-alonso |archive-date=2 September 2013 |access-date=28 December 2019 |website=Forbes}}
{{Cite web |date=2014 |title=The World's 100 Highest-Paid Athletes 2014: #21 Fernando Alonso |url=http://www.forbes.com/pictures/giig45hie/21-fernando-alonso#1809cba91518 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303130723/http://www.forbes.com/pictures/giig45hie/21-fernando-alonso#1809cba91518 |archive-date=3 March 2015 |access-date=28 December 2019 |website=Forbes}}
{{Cite web |date=2015 |title=The World's 100 Highest-Paid Athletes 2015: #17 Fernando Alonso |url=http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mli45ffgmk/17-fernando-alonso/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512033450/http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mli45ffgmk/17-fernando-alonso/ |archive-date=12 May 2016 |access-date=28 December 2019 |website=Forbes}}
{{Cite web |date=2016 |title=The World's 100 Highest-Paid Athletes 2016: 24. Fernando Alonso |url=http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mli45ffmil/24-fernando-alonso |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611084557/http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mli45ffmil/24-fernando-alonso#59bd2059411d |archive-date=11 June 2016 |access-date=28 December 2019 |website=Forbes}}
{{Cite web |date=2017 |title=The World's Highest-Paid Athletes 2017: 20. Fernando Alonso |url=https://www.forbes.com/pictures/593547bb4bbe6f1b730b2087/20-fernando-alonso/#60bd68b131ba |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805141855/https://www.forbes.com/pictures/593547bb4bbe6f1b730b2087/20-fernando-alonso/#60bd68b131ba |archive-date=5 August 2021 |access-date=28 December 2019 |website=Forbes}}
{{Cite news |last=Badenhausen |first=Kurt |date=13 June 2018 |title=Full List: The World's Highest-Paid Athletes 2018 |work=Forbes |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/kurtbadenhausen/2018/06/13/full-list-the-worlds-highest-paid-athletes-2018/ |url-status=live |access-date=28 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926101408/https://www.forbes.com/sites/kurtbadenhausen/2018/06/13/full-list-the-worlds-highest-paid-athletes-2018/ |archive-date=26 September 2019}} The magazine named him motorsport's top-earning driver from June 2012 to June 2013,{{Cite news |date=2013 |title=The Top-Earning Drivers In Motorsports: #1 Fernando Alonso |work=Forbes |url=http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mli45eejlg/1-fernando-alonso |url-status=dead |access-date=28 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130907045427/http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mli45eejlg/1-fernando-alonso#5eae691a2cee |archive-date=7 September 2013}} one of 2016's top earning international stars,{{Cite web |date=2016 |title=Top-Earning International Stars 2016: 30. Fernando Alonso ($36.5 million) |url=https://www.forbes.com/pictures/hikd45i/30-fernando-alonso-36/#2c4f0b0c2217 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805141856/https://www.forbes.com/pictures/hikd45i/30-fernando-alonso-36/#2c4f0b0c2217 |archive-date=5 August 2021 |access-date=28 December 2019 |website=Forbes}} and one of 2017's highest-paid international and European celebrities.{{Cite web |date=2017 |title=Highest Paid International Celebrities of 2017: 27. Fernando Alonso ($36 million), tie |url=https://www.forbes.com/pictures/593037f631358e03e559bd95/27-fernando-alonso-36-mil/#537081966b3c |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805141856/https://www.forbes.com/pictures/593037f631358e03e559bd95/27-fernando-alonso-36-mil/#537081966b3c |archive-date=5 August 2021 |access-date=28 December 2019 |website=Forbes}}{{Cite web |date=2017 |title=Highest-Paid European Celebrities 2017: 17. Fernando Alonso ($36 million) |url=https://www.forbes.com/pictures/59de81a0a7ea436b47b3b90a/17-fernando-alonso-36-mil/#23bfa4605865 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805141857/https://www.forbes.com/pictures/59de81a0a7ea436b47b3b90a/17-fernando-alonso-36-mil/#23bfa4605865 |archive-date=5 August 2021 |access-date=28 December 2019 |website=Forbes}} Alonso also featured on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list in 2008 and 2017.{{Cite web |date=11 June 2008 |title=The Celebrity 100: #43 Fernando Alonso |url=https://www.forbes.com/lists/2008/53/celebrities08_Fernando-Alonso_3LCF.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080614170652/http://www.forbes.com/lists/2008/53/celebrities08_Fernando-Alonso_3LCF.html |archive-date=14 June 2008 |access-date=28 December 2019 |website=Forbes}}
{{Cite web |date=2017 |title=Celebrity 100: The World's Highest-Paid Entertainers 2017: 77. Fernando Alonso ($36 million), tie |url=https://www.forbes.com/pictures/593a84e2a7ea434078d4e7b0/77-fernando-alonso-36-mil/#3d55faea56e |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019185439/https://www.forbes.com/pictures/593a84e2a7ea434078d4e7b0/77-fernando-alonso-36-mil/#3d55faea56e |archive-date=19 October 2017 |access-date=28 December 2019 |website=Forbes}} In 2020, Alonso was sponsored by Ruoff Mortgage for his Indianapolis 500 attempt.{{Cite web |url=https://eu.indystar.com/story/sports/motor/2020/06/30/fernando-alonso-livery-2020-indy-500-arrow-mclaren-sp/3284130001/ |title=Arrow McLaren SP releases Fernando Alonso's 2020 Indy 500 livery |date=30 June 2020 |url-status=live |first=Nathan |last=Brown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308171959/https://eu.indystar.com/story/sports/motor/2020/06/30/fernando-alonso-livery-2020-indy-500-arrow-mclaren-sp/3284130001/ |archive-date=8 March 2021 |access-date=5 August 2021 |website=IndyStar }}

Alonso was appointed director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) along with Mark Webber and Ralf Schumacher. He held that post from 2006 to 2010.

In November 2017 Alonso established the FA Racing G2 Logitech G eSports racing team of which he is the team principal and competes in virtual online racing championships on multiple platforms.{{Cite news |last=Baldwin |first=Alan |date=23 November 2017 |title=Motor racing – Alonso launches his own eSport team |work=Reuters |editor-last=Robinson |editor-first=Neil |url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-motor-f1-abudhabi-alonso-esport/motor-racing-alonso-launches-his-own-esport-team-idUKKBN1DN1VI |url-status=dead |access-date=27 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227215649/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-motor-f1-abudhabi-alonso-esport/motor-racing-alonso-launches-his-own-esport-team-idUKKBN1DN1VI |archive-date=27 December 2019}} The team dissolved in 2018 and launched another in partnership with FA Racing and Veloce Esports in March 2019.{{Cite web |last=Ashton |first=Graham |date=13 March 2019 |title=Fernando Alonso Continues Racing Sim Team With Logitech G |url=https://esportsobserver.com/fernando-alonso-racing-logitech-g/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227215650/https://esportsobserver.com/fernando-alonso-racing-logitech-g/ |archive-date=27 December 2019 |access-date=27 December 2019 |publisher=The Esports Observer}} Alonso's team has also competed in the F4 Spanish Championship, Formula Renault Eurocup and karting.{{Cite web |last=Larkham |first=Lewis |date=2 February 2019 |title=Fernando Alonso's FA Racing team makes Formula Renault track debut |url=https://www.crash.net/f3/news/912451/1/alonso-s-fa-racing-team-makes-formula-renault-debut |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202142231/https://www.crash.net/f3/news/912451/1/alonso-s-fa-racing-team-makes-formula-renault-debut |archive-date=2 February 2019 |access-date=28 December 2019 |publisher=Crash}} He is an investor and board member of the eSports multi-racing platform Motorsport Games.{{Cite news |last=Field |first=Matthew |date=16 March 2019 |title=Formula 1 champion Fernando Alonso invests in e-sports racing venture |work=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2019/03/16/formula-1-champion-fernando-alonso-invests-e-sports-racing-venture/ |url-status=live |access-date=27 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608210920/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2019/03/16/formula-1-champion-fernando-alonso-invests-e-sports-racing-venture/ |archive-date=8 June 2019}}
{{Cite web |last=Impey |first=Steven |date=19 March 2019 |title=Fernando Alonso invests in new esports racing platform |url=http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/fernando-alonso-invests-in-new-esports-racing-platform |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227215700/http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/fernando-alonso-invests-in-new-esports-racing-platform |archive-date=27 December 2019 |access-date=27 December 2019 |website=SportsPro}}

The UNICEF Spanish Committee named Alonso a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in February 2005 to promote and defend children's rights and awareness of UNICEF.{{Cite web |date=15 February 2005 |title=Alonso Named UNICEF Ambassador |url=http://classic.autosport.com/news/atlasf1-report.php/id/1353 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228094530/http://classic.autosport.com/news/atlasf1-report.php/id/1353 |archive-date=28 December 2019 |access-date=28 December 2019 |website=Atlas F1}} Alonso promoted India's efforts to eradicate polio in 2011 and handwashing with soap to school children in 2012,{{Cite news |date=27 October 2011 |title=Alonso appeals for a polio-free India |work=The Times of India |agency=Press Trust of India |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/10509532.cms |url-status=live |access-date=28 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805141907/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/off-the-field/alonso-appeals-for-a-polio-free-india/articleshow/10509532.cms |archive-date=5 August 2021}}{{Cite web |date=5 November 2012 |title=In India, Formula 1 star and UNICEF Ambassador Fernando Alonso says hand-washing is a simple solution to saving millions of children's lives |url=http://www.unicef.org/policyanalysis/india_66311.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912071853/http://www.unicef.org/policyanalysis/india_66311.html |archive-date=12 September 2015 |access-date=28 December 2019 |publisher=UNICEF}} whilst he also supported UNICEF's anti-cyberbullying campaign in November 2017.{{Cite web |last=Bolea |first=Víctor |date=11 December 2017 |title=Alonso apoya a Unicef contra el ciberacoso infantil |trans-title=Alonso supports UNICEF against child cyberbullying |url=https://soymotor.com/noticias/alonso-apoya-unicef-contra-el-ciberacoso-infantil-943466 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620154630/http://soymotor.com/noticias/alonso-apoya-unicef-contra-el-ciberacoso-infantil-943466 |archive-date=20 June 2018 |access-date=28 December 2019 |publisher=SoyMotor |language=es}} Alonso founded the Fundación Fernando Alonso ({{translation|Fernando Alonso Foundation}}) in 2007 to promote motor racing and road safety education.{{Cite news |date=26 May 2011 |title=El oro solidario de Alonso |language=es |trans-title=Alonso's solidarity gold |publisher=LaSexta |url=http://www.lasextadeportes.com/formula1/noticias/ver/el_oro_solidario_de_alonso/361473 |url-status=dead |access-date=28 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110529114340/http://www.lasextadeportes.com/formula1/noticias/ver/el_oro_solidario_de_alonso/361473 |archive-date=29 May 2011}}

Alonso received the 2003 Autosport Gregor Grant Award for winning the 2003 Hungarian Grand Prix.{{Cite web |date=7 December 2003 |title=Gregor Grant: Alonso |url=http://classic.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/25474/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207132212/http://classic.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/25474/ |archive-date=7 December 2019 |access-date=7 December 2019 |website=Autosport}} He also won the Princess Cristina National Sports Award for sporting newcomer in that year.{{Cite news |date=29 September 2004 |title=Otro más para la estantería |trans-title=Another one for the bookshelf |publisher=ESPN |agency=EFE |url=https://www.espn.com.pa/nota?id=267201 |url-status=live |access-date=28 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805141919/https://tags.bluekai.com/site/24755?ret=html&phint=pageName%3Despndeportes%3Aoly%3Astory&phint=channel%3Despndeportes%3Aoly&phint=eVar34%3D&phint=events%3Devent3&phint=prop1%3Despndeportes&phint=swid%3DA9DFD593-969E-4DE2-CD65-20E66B21D59D&phint=unid&phint=prop4%3Dstory&phint=prop9%3Dstory%3Ascroll%2Bnext_story&phint=prop23%3Despn_espn&phint=prop25%3Dolympic&phint=prop26%3Dno%2Bleague&phint=prop30%3Dpremium-no&phint=prop32%3D&phint=prop45%3D&phint=__bk_t%3DLas%20mejores%20im%C3%A1genes%20del%20D%C3%ADa%2013%20en%20los%20Juegos%20Ol%C3%ADmpicos%20de%20Tokio%202020&phint=__bk_k%3D&phint=__bk_l%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.espn.com.pa%2Folimpicos%2Fnota%2F_%2Fid%2F9012263%2Ftokio-2020-juegos-olimpicos-dia-13-mejores-imagenes&phint=__bk_v%3D3.1.10&limit=10&r=49839431 |archive-date=5 August 2021}} Alonso was named the Lorenzo Bandini Trophy's recipient in April 2005.{{Cite press release |title=Fernando Alonso and Flavio Briatore were recipients of awards at last night's Lorenzo Bandini Trophy ceremony in Brisighella |date=21 April 2005 |publisher=Renault |url=http://www.renaultf1.com/en/season/imola/index.php?news=tcm:3-35092 |access-date=12 August 2019 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060115125539/http://www.renaultf1.com/en/season/imola/index.php?news=tcm:3-35092 |archive-date=15 January 2006}} From October 2005 to May 2006 he received the Prince of Asturias Award for Sports, 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.{{Cite news |last=Larraz |first=Teresa |date=22 October 2005 |title=Alonso gets Spain's top sporting award |publisher=Rediff |url=https://www.rediff.com/sports/2005/oct/22alonso.htm |url-status=live |access-date=28 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304131014/http://www.rediff.com/sports/2005/oct/22alonso.htm |archive-date=4 March 2016}}
{{Cite news |date=3 April 2006 |title=Fernando Alonso y Gemma Mengual, premios nacionales del deporte 2005 |language=es |trans-title=Fernando Alonso and Gemma Mengual, national sport awards 2005 |work=El Mundo |agency=EFE |url=https://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/2006/04/03/masdeporte/1144080565.html |url-status=live |access-date=28 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805141901/https://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/2006/04/03/masdeporte/1144080565.html |archive-date=5 August 2021}}
{{Cite news |date=25 May 2006 |title=Raúl recibe la Medalla de Oro al Mérito Deportivo |language=es |trans-title=Raúl receives the Gold Medal for Sports Merit |work=20minutos |agency=EFE |url=https://www.20minutos.es/deportes/noticia/raul-medalla-merito-123760/0/ |url-status=live |access-date=28 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191104150246/https://www.20minutos.es/deportes/noticia/raul-medalla-merito-123760/0/ |archive-date=4 November 2019}}

He was named the 2006 Autosport International Racing Driver of the Year.{{Cite web |last=Freeman |first=Glenn |date=3 December 2006 |title=Int. Racing Driver: Fernando Alonso |url=http://classic.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/55890/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805141909/https://www.autosport.com/general/news/int-racing-driver-fernando-alonso-4406227/4406227/ |archive-date=5 August 2021 |access-date=28 December 2019 |website=Autosport}} Alonso was voted the Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year for his performance in the 2017 Indianapolis 500. He was inducted into the FIA Hall of Fame in 2017 for being a F1 World Champion and again as a FIA World Endurance Champion in 2019.{{Cite news |last=Rubio |first=Javier |date=5 December 2017 |title=Alonso, en el 'Hall of Fame' de la FIA: "¡Tengo dos años para que me inviten otra vez!" |trans-title=Alonso, In the Hall of Fame of the FIA: "I have two years to be invited again!" |work=El Confidencial |url=https://www.elconfidencial.com/deportes/formula-1/2017-12-05/alonso-formula-1-hall-of-fame-vettel-senna-prost_1488366/ |url-status=live |access-date=28 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224003121/https://www.elconfidencial.com/deportes/formula-1/2017-12-05/alonso-formula-1-hall-of-fame-vettel-senna-prost_1488366/ |archive-date=24 December 2017}}{{Cite news |last=Sánchez de Castro |first=David |date=4 December 2019 |title=Fernando Alonso, doble leyenda de la FIA ante un 2020 histórico |language=es |trans-title=Fernando Alonso, double legend of the FIA before a historic 2020 |work=20minutos |url=https://www.20minutos.es/deportes/noticia/4076889/0/fernando-alonso-doble-leyenda-fia-2020/ |url-status=live |access-date=28 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205060237/https://www.20minutos.es/deportes/noticia/4076889/0/fernando-alonso-doble-leyenda-fia-2020/ |archive-date=5 December 2019}} This made Alonso the first driver to have been inducted into the FIA Hall of Fame twice.

From November 2006 to December 2011, Alonso was married to Raquel del Rosario, the lead singer of the Spanish pop band El Sueño de Morfeo.{{Cite news |date=21 December 2011 |title=Fernando Alonso y Raquel del Rosario se separan |language=es |work=La Verdad |agency=EFE |url=http://www.laverdad.es/murcia/rc/20111220/gente/fernando-alonso-raquel-rosario-201112201706.html |url-status=live |access-date=22 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201031230/http://www.laverdad.es/murcia/rc/20111220/gente/fernando-alonso-raquel-rosario-201112201706.html |archive-date=1 December 2017}} He was engaged to Spanish television presenter Lara Álvarez from 2015 to 2016.{{Cite web |title=Exclusive: Fernando Alonso and Lara Alvarez split |url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/exclusive-fernando-alonso-fianc-e-060643415.html |access-date=25 April 2023 |website=Yahoo News |date=15 March 2016 |language=en-GB |archive-date=25 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425232627/https://uk.news.yahoo.com/exclusive-fernando-alonso-fianc-e-060643415.html |url-status=live }} Alonso dated Italian model Linda Morselli from 2016 to 2021.{{Cite web |last=AStv |date=13 September 2019 |title=Fernando Alonso takes his girlfriend Linda Morselli for a drive round Monza |url=https://en.as.com/en/2019/09/13/videos/1568370152_240137.html |access-date=27 April 2023 |website=Diario AS |language=en-us |archive-date=27 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427040552/https://en.as.com/en/2019/09/13/videos/1568370152_240137.html |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=https://thesportsrush.com/f1-news-fernando-alonsos-ex-girlfriend-linda-morselli-recounts-a-shocking-incident-about-her-boyfriend/ |first=Vidit |last=Dhawan |work=The SportsRush |date=23 April 2023 |title=Fernando Alonso's Ex-Girlfriend Was Shocked to See F1 Star More Concerned About $10,000 Bike Instead of His Broken Jaw |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620173532/https://thesportsrush.com/f1-news-fernando-alonsos-ex-girlfriend-linda-morselli-recounts-a-shocking-incident-about-her-boyfriend/ |archive-date =20 June 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=20 June 2023}}

Alonso supports the Real Madrid and Real Oviedo football teams,{{Cite news |last=Ramos |first=Alberto |date=13 March 2007 |title=Curiosidades sobre Fernando Alonso, un piloto especial |language=es |trans-title=Curiosities about Fernando Alonso, a special pilot |work=20 minutos |url=https://www.20minutos.es/deportes/noticia/alonso-curiosidades-renault-163157/0/ |url-status=live |access-date=26 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425173327/http://www.20minutos.es/deportes/noticia/alonso-curiosidades-renault-163157/0/ |archive-date=25 April 2016}} and is a cycling enthusiast.{{cite web | last=Ravi Ubha | first=Ben Wyatt | title=Fernando Alonso: The family ties that bind Ferrari's F1 star | website=CNN | date=2 April 2014 | url=https://www.cnn.com/2014/04/02/sport/fernando-alonso-ferrari-f1/index.html | access-date=15 September 2022 | archive-date=6 October 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006103627/https://www.cnn.com/2014/04/02/sport/fernando-alonso-ferrari-f1/index.html | url-status=live }} He is {{convert|171|cm|ftin|abbr=on}} tall,{{cite web |title=Length, age and weight of F1 drivers {{!}} F1 2024 season |url=https://racingnews365.com/height-weight-f1-drivers |website=RacingNews365 |access-date=8 April 2024 |language=en |date=8 April 2024 |archive-date=7 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407203256/https://racingnews365.com/height-weight-f1-drivers |url-status=live }} and speaks English, French, Italian and Spanish.{{Cite web |date=6 May 2012 |title=Face to face with Fernando |url=http://www.ferrari.com/English/Formula1/News/Headlines/Pages/120506-f1-face-to-face-with-fernando.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130706231959/http://www.ferrari.com/English/Formula1/News/Headlines/Pages/120506-f1-face-to-face-with-fernando.aspx |archive-date=6 July 2013 |access-date=24 July 2013 |publisher=Scuderia Ferrari}} His personal garage includes such cars as the McLaren P1, Ferrari 458 Italia, Nissan GT-R, and Honda NSX.{{Cite web |last=Chillingsworth |first=Luke |date=12 March 2023 |title=Inside Fernando Alonso's house, cars, travel with £200m F1 net worth |url=https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1744372/fernando-alonso-aston-martin-lifestyle-cars-girlfriend-travel |access-date=25 April 2023 |website=Express.co.uk |language=en |archive-date=25 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425232627/https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1744372/fernando-alonso-aston-martin-lifestyle-cars-girlfriend-travel |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=3 July 2021 |title=F1: The baller life of Fernando Alonso, owner of an e-racing team and the fastest cars in the world |url=https://www.gqindia.com/entertainment/content/f1-baller-life-of-fernando-alonso |access-date=25 April 2023 |website=GQ India |language=en-IN |archive-date=25 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425232627/https://www.gqindia.com/entertainment/content/f1-baller-life-of-fernando-alonso |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Reyes |first=Alvin |date=19 December 2022 |title=The Most Expensive Car In Fernando Alonso's Collection |url=https://www.slashgear.com/1142290/the-most-expensive-car-in-fernando-alonsos-collection/ |access-date=25 April 2023 |website=SlashGear |language=en-US |archive-date=25 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425234130/https://www.slashgear.com/1142290/the-most-expensive-car-in-fernando-alonsos-collection/ |url-status=live }}

{{asterisk}} Season still in progress.

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap; small number indicates the finishing position)

{{smallsup|{{dagger}}}} Did not finish, but was classified as he had completed more than 90% of the race distance.

{{asterisk}} Season still in progress.

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

{{As of|2025|5|4|alt=As of the 2025 Miami Grand Prix}}, Alonso holds the following Formula One records:

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

{{commons category}}

{{Wikiquote}}

• {{official website|http://www.fernandoalonso.com}}
• [https://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/championship/drivers/fernando-alonso.html Profile] – from [http://www.formula1.com/ Formula 1 official website]
• [http://www.mclaren.com/formula1/heritage/driver/fernando-alonso/ Profile] – from [http://www.mclaren.com/ McLaren official website]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20050901191518/http://www.f1db.com/f1/page/Fernando_Alonso Career statistics]
• [http://www.4mula1.ro/history/driver/Fernando_Alonso Fernando Alonso statistics]
• {{IMDb name|1898955|Fernando Alonso}}

{{Navboxes

|title=Fernando Alonso achievements

|list1 =

{{S-start}}

{{s-sports}}

{{Succession box|title=Euro Open Movistar by Nissan
Champion|before= Marc Gené|after= Antonio García|years=1999}}

{{Succession box|title= Race of Champions
Nations' Cup|before= Régis Laconi
Yvan Muller
Gilles Panizzi|after= Colin Edwards
Jeff Gordon
Jimmie Johnson|years= 2001 |with=Jesús Puras and Rubén Xaus}}

{{Succession box|title=Formula One World Champion |before= Michael Schumacher|after= Kimi Räikkönen|years={{F1|2005}}–{{F1|2006}}}}

{{succession box|title= Winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans|before= Timo Bernhard
Brendon Hartley
Earl Bamber |after=Sébastien Buemi
Brendon Hartley
Kazuki Nakajima|years= 2018–2019|with=Sébastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima}}

{{Succession box|title=World Endurance Drivers Champion |before= Timo Bernhard
Brendon Hartley
Earl Bamber|after= Mike Conway
Kamui Kobayashi
José María López|years={{WEC|2018–19}}|with=Sébastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima}}

{{s-ach|aw}}

{{Succession box|title=Prince of Asturias Award for Sports|before= Hicham El Guerrouj|after= Spain national
basketball team|years=2005}}

{{Succession box|before= Kimi Räikkönen|title=Lorenzo Bandini Trophy|years=2005|after= Mark Webber}}

{{Succession box|title=Autosport Awards
International Driver of the Year|before= Kimi Räikkönen|after= Lewis Hamilton|years=2006}}

{{Succession box|before= Sebastian Vettel|title=DHL Fastest Lap Award|years={{F1|2010}}|after= Mark Webber}}

{{succession box

|before = Alexander Rossi

|title = Indianapolis 500
Rookie of the Year

|years = 2017

|after = Robert Wickens

}}

{{s-ach|rec}}

{{succession box

| before = Kimi Räikkönen
353 entries, 349 starts
({{F1|2001}}–{{F1|2009}}, {{F1|2012}}–{{F1|2021}})

| title = Most Grand Prix entries

| years = {{F1stat|ALO|entries}} entries, {{F1stat|ALO|starts}} starts
({{F1|2001}}, {{F1|2003}}–{{F1|2018}}, {{F1|2021}}–{{F1|2025}})
354th entry at the 2022 Japanese Grand Prix
350th start at the 2022 Singapore Grand Prix

| after = Incumbent

}}

{{Succession box|before = Rubens Barrichello
22 years, 97 days
(1994 Belgian GP) |title = Youngest Grand Prix polesitter |after = Sebastian Vettel
21 years, 72 days
(2008 Italian GP)|years = 21 years, 236 days
(2003 Malaysian Grand Prix)}}

{{Succession box|title = Youngest race leader,
for at least one lap in Formula One |years = 21 years, 237 days
(2003 Malaysian Grand Prix) |before = Jimmy Davies
21 years, 285 days
(1951 Indianapolis 500) |after = Sebastian Vettel
20 years, 89 days
(2007 Japanese GP)}}

{{Succession box|before = Ralf Schumacher
21 years, 287 days
(1997 Argentine GP) |title = Youngest driver to score a
podium position in Formula One |after = Sebastian Vettel
21 years, 73 days
(2008 Italian GP) |years = 21 years, 237 days
(2003 Malaysian Grand Prix)}}

{{Succession box|title=Youngest driver to set
fastest lap in Formula One|before = Bruce McLaren
21 years, 322 days
(1959 British GP) |after = Nico Rosberg
20 years, 258 days
(2006 Bahrain GP) |years = 21 years, 321 days
(2003 Canadian Grand Prix)}}

{{Succession box|title=Youngest Grand Prix
race winner|before = Troy Ruttman
22 years, 80 days
(1952 Indianapolis 500) |after = Sebastian Vettel
21 years, 73 days
(2008 Italian GP) |years = 22 years, 26 days
(2003 Hungarian Grand Prix)}}

{{Succession box|title=Youngest Formula One
World Drivers' Champion|before = Emerson Fittipaldi
25 years, 273 days
(1972 season) |after = Lewis Hamilton
23 years, 300 days
(2008 season) |years = 24 years, 58 days
(2005 season)}}

{{S-end}}

{{Formula One World Drivers' Champions}}

{{FIA World Endurance Championship champions}}

{{24 Hours of Le Mans winners}}

{{24 Hours of Daytona winners}}

{{Autosport International Racing Driver Award}}

{{Spanish Sportsman of the Year}}

{{Prince of Asturias Award for Sports}}

}}

{{Navboxes

|title=Fernando Alonso teams and series

|list1 =

{{Formula One teams}}

{{Aston Martin F1}}

{{Alpine F1}}

{{McLaren}}

{{Scuderia Ferrari}}

{{Renault F1}}

{{Minardi}}

{{Arrow McLaren}}

{{AndrettiAutosport}}

}}

{{Formula One drivers from Spain}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Alonso, Fernando}}

Category:1981 births

Category:24 Hours of Daytona drivers

Category:24 Hours of Le Mans drivers

Category:24 Hours of Le Mans winning drivers

Category:Alpine Formula One drivers

Category:Aston Martin Formula One drivers

Category:Ferrari Formula One drivers

Category:FIA World Endurance Championship drivers

Category:Formula One race winners

Category:Formula One World Drivers' Champions

Category:Indianapolis 500 drivers

Category:Indianapolis 500 Rookies of the Year

Category:IndyCar Series drivers

Category:International Formula 3000 drivers

Category:Karting World Championship drivers

Category:Living people

Category:McLaren Formula One drivers

Category:Minardi Formula One drivers

Category:People named in the Paradise Papers

Category:Renault Formula One drivers

Category:Spanish atheists

Category:Spanish expatriate sportspeople in England

Category:Spanish expatriate sportspeople in Switzerland

Category:Spanish Formula One drivers

Category:Spanish racing drivers

Category:Sportspeople from Oviedo

Category:UNICEF goodwill ambassadors

Category:WeatherTech SportsCar Championship drivers

Category:Campos Racing drivers

Category:Team Astromega drivers

Category:Toyota Gazoo Racing drivers

Category:Arrow McLaren SP drivers

Category:United Autosports drivers

Category:Andretti Autosport drivers

Category:Wayne Taylor Racing drivers