Fernando Alonso, the two-time World Champion and Aston Martin's stalwart, turns 45. We revisit his career highlights filled with humor, from iconic radio messages to memorable social media antics.
Fernando Alonso's illustrious career is a testament to his skill: a record number of Grand Prix starts, nearly 2,400 points, 32 wins, and two World Championships. As the most successful Spanish driver in F1 history, he's been winning over fans since his debut in 2001, not just with his on-track prowess but also with his off-track charisma. To celebrate his 45th birthday, let's dive into some of Alonso's funniest moments in Formula 1.
In 2015, during the Brazilian Grand Prix qualifying session, Alonso's engine gave up the ghost early. Not one to waste an unexpected break, he grabbed a deck chair and enjoyed a bit of sunbathing on the Interlagos grass, all while the race continued around him. The image of him lounging and giving the camera a knowing look quickly became iconic.
Alonso's racing achievements are just part of why fans adore him. His passion and spirit have led to some unforgettable celebrations across his 25-year career. Whether it's the Renault yoga pose or his title-winning roars on the podium, Alonso's antics continue to bring smiles to fans worldwide.
Tune in to an Alonso team radio, and you know entertainment is on the way. His team radios have been legendary since his early days at Renault. From post-title tunes to his need for space in Bahrain, and his candid opinions about Jolyon Palmer in Monza, Alonso's wit and sharp one-liners have left a lasting impression. "We are racing, not testing" and "If you speak to me every lap, I will disconnect the radio" are just a couple of classics that show his humor and candor.
Proving that age is no barrier to staying current, in February 2023, Alonso embraced his inner influencer. His TikTok escapades quickly won over fans, with his rendition of popular trends garnering millions of likes. From the 'Griddy' dance to watering flowers, Alonso's social media presence is as engaging as his racing, hinting at a promising future in content creation if he ever leaves the track.
In Mexico last year, Alonso embraced local culture in style, donning a lucha libre mask for the Drivers' Parade. His playful nod to Mexican tradition was a highlight at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, capturing the attention of fans and media alike.
During the 2025 Miami Drivers' Parade, Alonso's reactions were a hit, but it was at Silverstone this year that he truly shone. In a playful race featuring drivers in LEGO machines, Alonso's competitive spirit saw him navigate through gravel and avoid collisions to cross the finish line first, demonstrating his enduring racing savvy.
Throughout his career, Alonso has formed many friendships, one of which is with Max Verstappen. Alonso has often praised Verstappen, and their camaraderie was evident in a playful post-season interview in 2023, where they interviewed each other and even planned a winter competition.
The 2009 season had its challenges, but Alonso's pole position in Hungary stood out. With timing screens down, he had to ask fellow drivers for their lap times to figure out his position. Realizing he was on pole through their slower times was a classic Fernando moment.
Alonso's blend of competitive spirit and humor has endeared him to fans for decades. As he celebrates another year, these moments remind us why he's such a beloved figure in Formula 1.