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Fernando Alonso is that guy who slaps you in the world of Formula 1 with his character and fighting spirit. Born on July 29, 1981, in Oviedo, Spain, he is now 44 years old, stands 1.71m – nothing extraordinary, but he more than makes up for it behind the wheel. In a relationship since 2023 with journalist Melissa Jiménez, they are expecting their first child, a real novelty for him!
Do you think you know his story? Wait until you see how he started: the kid who jumped into a kart at 3 years old is not common. This speed enthusiast quickly made a name for himself in karting, snagging national and junior world titles without much fuss. From 1999, he switched to single-seaters, winning the Euro Open by Nissan championship at only 17. Talent, talent, and more talent.
Before shaking up the F1 circuits, Alonso had to grit his teeth in teams that were not always top-notch. But he always refused to give up, which probably explains his longevity in F1. It was with Renault that he finally exploded, winning his two world titles in 2005 and 2006, which opened all doors for him. This early success, honestly, who was ready for it?
Now at Aston Martin, Fernando remains a pillar of the grid. At 44, he shows that you can still shake up the younger drivers. With 32 wins, 106 podiums, and unyielding perseverance, he symbolizes much more than just a driver. Fernando is a mix of experience and raw energy, a legend still on track.
Who is Fernando Alonso, the Bull of Asturias?
Nicknamed the Bull of Asturias, Fernando is not just an ordinary Formula 1 driver. This nickname comes from his roots in this proud region of Spain, and it fits his personality perfectly: tenacious and combative. He started karting at 3 years old, which is quite exceptional. His stature, his 1.71m height, has never held him back, quite the opposite.
His trajectory was built through fierce battles, a near-obsessive determination to impose himself against the titans. Before taking off, he raced for Minardi, a modest team, where he already started to get noticed despite the lack of results. But where it really became huge was when Renault recruited him, propelling him to the top.
Because Fernando is not just a name, he is a machine of wild performances. Two world titles in 2005 and 2006, being the youngest champion when he won his first crown, that says a lot. The duel with Schumacher in those years was truly great entertainment. Alonso made a mark with an aggressive but calculated style.
Off the track, this discreet and passionate guy seems to finally enjoy more serenity with Melissa Jiménez. She, a journalist and already mother of three, forms a promising duo with him. Together, they are expecting their first baby in spring 2026, a nice turning point for a legend who has chased lap times for so long.
The journey before fame: a fast and determined start
You have to say that Fernando has never done things halfway. Basically, starting karting at 3 means his passion was there from afar. Between 1993 and 1996, he won almost everything that came his way in Spain. In 1996, he outright won the junior karting world championship. This stage of his life was crucial; it caught the attention of the big teams.
Moving to single-seaters in 1999 was natural, and the guy immediately won the Euro Open by Nissan at just 17. Then, Formula 3000 in 2000 where he finished fourth with a win at Spa convinced Renault to bet on him and bring him to F1 with Minardi in 2001. Debuts marked by a weak team but a driver to watch closely.
The 2002 season at Renault as a test driver was a great launching pad. Then a full-time driver in 2003, he made waves. The guy became the youngest poleman in history, won in Hungary, and started to face the giants of the circuit. Everyone felt it was the start of a true legend.
Major successes and challenges of an extraordinary career
You can’t talk about Fernando without mentioning his two world titles in 2005 and 2006, grabbing seven wins per season. This guy dominated F1 at a time when Schumacher ruled, just that is crazy. The first title was a real revenge because Renault was the outsider.
But his path was not always rosy, far from it. In 2007, at McLaren, tensions and rivalry with Lewis Hamilton weighed down the season. Then back at Renault, and especially a stint at Ferrari where, despite several podiums, a third world title slipped away. I admit, it was frustrating for him and his fans.
His second period at McLaren from 2015 to 2018 was complicated due to unreliable Honda engines. But Alonso did not give up. He even added another string to his bow by winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in endurance racing. At 44, he continues to impress with his perseverance and desire to always fight. A complete athlete.
Private life and surprising anecdotes about Fernando Alonso
So, on the private side, Fernando is not the type to spill everything, but we know he has been sharing his life with Melissa Jiménez since 2023. And big news: they are expecting their first child together in 2026. The Spanish press even revealed that Melissa is six months pregnant, which explains her recent absence from some Grand Prix.
A funny anecdote? When he was young, Fernando was convinced he would become a professional driver like Ayrton Senna, his absolute idol. He also got caught up in that odd industrial espionage affair at McLaren, which he denied involvement in (frankly, it made a lot of noise back then). A driver who does not reveal everything is rare.
He lives between several places: Switzerland, Dubai, and Oxford, which helps explain his rhythm between races and private life. His contract at Aston Martin runs until 2026, so you can imagine he is preparing his best season with the help of Adrian Newey as technical director, a real technical boost for his team.
Recent projects and his role at Aston Martin in tomorrow’s F1
Since 2023, he has been energizing Aston Martin’s heart, where he has already racked up several podiums, including a great second place at Zandvoort. In 2024, it was a bit tougher, but Fernando hasn’t lost any of his bite. Always capable of impressing, he raises his level against his teammate Lance Stroll.
With new rules coming for 2026, the veteran aims high. Adrian Newey’s arrival at Aston Martin promises to shake up the hierarchy, and frankly, if anyone can take advantage of that, it’s him. At 44, Fernando perfectly fits the role of an experienced warrior who can still surprise.
We also hope to see him one day win the famous Triple Crown, even though he failed at the 500 Miles of Indianapolis in 2017. Anyway, this driver has shown he loves multiple challenges, so wouldn’t it be fair that he still plays a leading role? Time will tell.
- 🏎️ 44 years old, proud defender of experience on the grid
- 🥇 2 world titles (2005, 2006) with Renault
- 📝 More than 400 Grands Prix contested, a rare longevity
- ❤️ In a relationship with journalist Melissa Jiménez, soon to be a dad
- 🌍 Life shared between Switzerland, Dubai, and Oxford
- 💪 Former winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, multi-discipline
If you want to know a bit more about this bull with a big heart, Franceinfo offers a great update. For a more complete biography, this detailed page is excellent. Otherwise, take a look at this L’Équipe profile or his Wikipédia profile. And to follow his hot news, this article is recent and interesting.
