Why Does Everybody Love Fernando Alonso?

The Unpredictable Journey of a Racing Legend

The F1 2023 season has brought about a surprising turn of events, and at the forefront of this excitement is none other than Fernando Alonso. The sheer number of times he has graced the podium is astonishing, and what's even more impressive is the caliber of his performances. Each time Alonso achieved a remarkable result, he showcased a level of skill and determination that truly deserved the spotlight. It's no wonder why the entire F1 community has fallen in love with him. But what is it about Fernando Alonso that captivates us all?

The Early Days: A Star is Born

Fernando Alonso's Formula 1 career began over two decades ago in 2001, and right from the start, he caught the attention of many teams. Despite his lack of single-seater experience, Alonso's impressive lap times made him a sought-after talent. Ultimately, it was Flavio Briatore of Benetton who had the privilege of signing him. However, due to Benetton's lineup being locked for the 2001 season, Alonso was loaned out to Minardi.

Now, if you're familiar with Minardi, you know that the team was far from impressive that year. Alonso found himself trailing at the back of the grid, driving what felt more like a lawnmower than an F1 car. And even if the car managed to reach the finish line, it was a rare occurrence. Nevertheless, Alonso consistently outperformed his teammate by a wide margin, showcasing his potential.

Rise to Prominence: The Renault Years

In 2002, Briatore wanted Alonso to make the leap to the now rebranded Renault team. He was given the role of test driver for the season to familiarize himself with the car. The following year, in 2003, Alonso was given a full-time drive, and this is where we witnessed the emergence of the Fernando Alonso we know today. He secured his first-ever win at the Hungaroring, becoming the youngest race winner at the time.

The year 2004 showcased Alonso's continued progress as he finished an impressive fourth in the drivers' championship, trailing only the dominant Ferraris and Jenson Button. However, it was in 2005 that Alonso truly shone, beating McLaren's Kimi Räikkönen to win the championship. He followed up this victory by going head-to-head with the legendary Michael Schumacher in 2006 and emerging as the champion once again. It was during this period that the love for Fernando Alonso truly bloss