Fernando Alonso is a Spanish racing driver known for his success in Formula One, having won the World Drivers’ Championship in 2005 and 2006 with Renault.
He has also competed for McLaren, Ferrari, and Minardi.
Alonso is recognized for his competitive nature, tactical thinking and determination to win.
Despite a break from Formula One, during which he won the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice, Alonso returned to the sport with Alpine in 2021 and later joined Aston Martin.
His career highlights include being F1’s youngest polesitter, race winner, world champion, and double world champion.
Alonso’s racing journey began in karting at a young age, leading to his remarkable achievements in motorsport.
Background and early life
Alonso, born on July 29, 1981, in Oviedo, Spain, began his racing journey at a very young age.
Coming from a working-class family, Alonso’s father, Luis Alonso, introduced him to karting when he was only three years old.
His father’s passion for kart racing led him to build a pedal kart for his daughter Lorena, but it was Fernando who eagerly took to the sport and displayed a competitive spirit from the start.
By the age of seven, Alonso won his first proper kart race and continued to excel in the sport, winning numerous championships and catching the eye of sponsors.
Alonso’s early success in karting paved the way for his entry into open-wheel racing.
He transitioned to single-seater racing cars and eventually made his debut in Formula 1 with Minardi in 2001.
Alonso’s talent and determination quickly propelled him through the ranks of motorsport, leading to his iconic achievements in Formula 1 with Renault, McLaren, Ferrari and later Alpine and Aston Martin.
Net worth
Alonso’s net worth is estimated to be around $260 million, making him one of the wealthiest Formula One drivers.
His earnings come from a successful career spanning 18 seasons in F1, driving for teams like Minardi, Renault, McLaren and Ferrari.
Alonso’s financial success is a result of his skill, achievements and endorsements within the sport, solidifying his position as one of the highest-paid and most respected drivers in Formula One.
Salary and contracts
Alonso’s salary and contracts have been significant throughout his career.
In 2023, he earned an annual salary of $24 million with bonuses of $10 million, making him the third-highest paid driver in Formula.
Alonso’s earnings have varied over the years, with reports indicating that he earned as much as $40 million in salary and endorsements in previous seasons.
In 2024, Alonso signed a two-year contract with Aston Martin worth $18 million per year.
Additionally, it is noted that he has been the founder and brand ambassador of Kimoa, his own fashion brand, which sponsors him alongside his racing endeavors.
Castrol endorsement deal
Alonso signed a new sponsorship deal with Castrol, a leading lubricant brand.
This partnership signifies his collaboration with Castrol in the realm of motorsport, enhancing his brand presence and financial standing.
The deal involves endorsing Castrol products and likely includes promotional activities to leverage Alonso’s popularity and influence in the racing world.
Alonso’s association with Castrol showcases his ability to secure significant endorsements with reputable brands, further solidifying his position as a prominent figure in Formula One and the motorsport industry.
BOSS partnership
Alonso’s partnership with BOSS as a brand ambassador is a significant collaboration that extends beyond the racetrack.
As the new face of BOSS, he will represent the brand at official off-race track events, red-carpet moments, interviews, and various promotional activities.
This long-term partnership aligns with BOSS’s status as the official fashion partner of the Aston Martin Formula One team, further solidifying Alonso’s connection with the brand.
The announcement of Alonso as a brand ambassador was celebrated with a party in Budapest, Hungary, reflecting the #RaceLikeABOSS spirit and highlighting his iconic status in the racing world.
Alonso’s role as a BOSS ambassador underscores his strong sense of will, decision-making abilities and inspirational persona, making him a perfect fit for the brand both on and off the racetrack.
Banco Santander collaboration
Alonso’s Banco Santander deal was a significant sponsorship agreement that had a notable impact on Formula One.
The Spanish financial giant Banco Santander sponsored Ferrari since Alonso joined the team in 2010, enhancing its involvement in F1.
The bank’s sponsorship extended to several races, including the British Grand Prix from 2007 to 2014 and the Spanish GP from 2011 to 2013.
Banco Santander’s association with Alonso and Ferrari contributed to increasing its brand recognition globally over the years.
However, the partnership came to an end in 2017, marking the conclusion of Santander’s successful sponsorship of Scuderia Ferrari and its corporate sponsorship agreements with F1 after supporting the sport for 11 years.
This deal not only showcased Santander’s commitment to motorsport but also highlighted Alonso’s influence in attracting major sponsors to Formula One teams.
TAG Heuer deal
Alonso has had a significant partnership with TAG Heuer, a renowned Swiss luxury watch brand.
This collaboration has resulted in the creation of exclusive timepieces like the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Calibre S ‘Fernando Alonso’ Limited Edition and the Gents TAG Heuer Formula 1 Fernando Alonso watch.
These limited-edition watches feature distinctive designs inspired by Alonso’s achievements in Formula One, showcasing his influence beyond the racing track.
The TAG Heuer Carrera Tachymetre Automatic, another product of this collaboration, further highlights Alonso’s association with the brand.
Alonso’s partnership with TAG Heuer extends to the Formula 1 Collection, emphasizing his role as a brand ambassador for TAG Heuer and his impact on the watch industry.
Silestone partnership
Alonso’s Silestone deal involves a collaboration with Cosentino, the company behind Silestone quartz surfaces.
The Silestone brand has released a new series inspired by Alonso, the Formula 1 world champion.
This collaboration merges quartz and metallic materials through an innovative production process, creating a unique collection that reflects Alonso’s influence and style.
Alonso’s partnership with Silestone showcases his involvement in endorsing high-quality products like quartz surfaces, expanding his brand presence beyond the realm of motorsport.
Liberbank collaboration
Alonso’s Liberbank deal involves a collaboration with the Spanish bank, Liberbank.
This partnership includes the incorporation of the Liberbank logo on his official website, showcasing their association and support for the racing driver.
The presence of the Liberbank logo on Alonso’s website signifies a sponsorship or endorsement agreement between the two parties, highlighting Liberbank’s involvement in promoting and aligning with Alonso’s brand.
Adidas endorsement deal
Alonso signed a sponsorship deal with Adidas Motorsport, as announced on social media in 2017.
This partnership with Adidas added to Alonso’s portfolio of endorsements, showcasing his collaboration with a renowned brand in the motorsport industry.
The deal with Adidas reflects Alonso’s ability to secure significant sponsorships and expand his brand presence beyond the racing track, highlighting his appeal and influence in the world of Formula One and sports in general.
Kimoa
Alonso’s Kimoa company is a Spanish clothing and accessories retailer founded by the Formula One driver himself.
Established in March 2017, Kimoa offers a range of products including shirts, swimsuits, sweaters, shoes, sunglasses and hats, targeting young and middle-aged adults across 150 countries through their e-store and physical stores in Spain.
The brand’s name originates from the Hawaiian language, symbolizing ‘sitting and watching the sun going,’ reflecting the founders’ love for California, the beach, and sunsets with friends.
Alonso co-founded Kimoa with a group of friends after exploring various ideas like creating a restaurant or beach attraction.
Notably, Kimoa faced controversy in June 2020 for releasing a clothing line claimed to be a tribute to Māori culture without involving the community in the design process, leading to negative reactions and subsequent removal of the photos from their website and social media platforms.
Additionally, Kimoa became an official surfwear partner of McLaren F1 Team in 2018, showcasing its presence in motorsport through branding on the team’s car and driver gear.
A14 Management
Alonso’s A14 Management is a driver management company founded by the two-time Formula One World Champion.
Established with the aim of nurturing young talent in motorsport, A14 Management focuses on providing comprehensive support to drivers, including physical training, decision-making advice and financial management to maximize their potential both on and off the track.
The agency selects promising drivers from karting and instills essential values necessary for achieving their goals, drawing from Alonso’s extensive experience in the world of motorsport.
A14 Management’s portfolio includes young drivers across various racing disciplines who are at the early stages of their careers and seek to enhance their skills with guidance from a professional sports management team.
Through strategic partnerships and sponsorship opportunities facilitated by A14 Management, these emerging talents can progress in their careers while also offering visibility and promotional benefits to sponsors through branding on cars, suits, helmets and other platforms.
Car collection
Alonso’s car collection is a testament to his love for speed and luxury.
The Spanish racing driver, with a reported net worth of around $240 million, has amassed an impressive array of vehicles, including some of the most coveted supercars in the world.
His collection features a variety of high-performance cars, such as the Aston Martin DBX luxury SUV, McLaren P1, Ferrari LaFerrari, Ferrari California, Ferrari 458 Italia and a limited-edition Ferrari 599 GTB Fernando Alonso Edition.
Alonso’s garage also houses a Porsche 918 Spyder, Nissan GT-R, Maserati GranCabrio, and a McLaren P1, showcasing his passion for exclusive and high-speed automobiles.
Additionally, Alonso’s collection includes a range of racing cars, with over 300 vehicles displayed at the Museo Fernando Alonso, highlighting his successful career in motorsport and his enduring love for all things automotive.
Real estate properties
Alonso’s real estate portfolio includes several luxurious properties across the globe.
In Dubai, he owns a luxury apartment in a prestigious 52-storey building worth £130 million.
Despite this opulent investment, Alonso prefers a private home life and enjoys spending time in his holiday homes, with two located in Switzerland and another in Oxford.
Additionally, during his Ferrari days, he moved to Lugano, Switzerland, to be closer to the team’s headquarters in Maranello.
Alonso’s previous residence was in Mont-sur-Rolle, but the move to Lugano reduced his commute time significantly.
His choice of residences reflects his taste for luxury and privacy, with properties across Europe and a keen eye for investments in exclusive locations.
Early career
Alonso’s early career was marked by his introduction to kart racing at the age of three, under the guidance of his father, Jose Luis Alonso.
By the age of 11, he was already attracting sponsors due to his exceptional talent, allowing him to compete in various championships.
Alonso quickly rose through the ranks, winning multiple Spanish Junior Championships and gaining recognition beyond Spain.
His success continued as he transitioned to car racing at the age of 17, showcasing his skill and dominance in the sport.
Alonso’s achievements in karting and car racing laid the foundation for his future in motorsport, setting him on a path towards Formula One.
His early career exemplified his determination, talent, and passion for racing, shaping him into the accomplished driver he is known as today.
Breakthrough
Alonso’s breakthrough in Formula One came during the 2005 season when he achieved significant success.
This breakthrough season saw he winning three races in four at the beginning of the year, showcasing his exceptional talent and driving skills.
Alonso’s remarkable performances in 2005, including victories in key races, marked a turning point in his career, establishing him as a top contender in the sport.
His breakthrough season in 2005 set the stage for his subsequent achievements, leading to his World Drivers’ Championship wins in 2005 and 2006 with Renault.
Notable races
Some of Alonso’s notable races include the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2003, where he became the youngest race winner in Formula One at that time.
In the San Marino Grand Prix in 2005, he demonstrated exceptional defensive driving skills against Michael Schumacher.
Another remarkable race was the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in 2018, where Alonso showcased his resilience by finishing 7th despite starting 12th in an uncompetitive McLaren with significant floor damage.
These races highlight Alonso’s talent, determination and ability to excel under challenging conditions throughout his successful career.
Awards and accolades
Alonso has been recognized with several awards and accolades during his remarkable Formula One career.
Among these honors, he received the Action of the Year Award for his sportsmanship and clean driving in a memorable battle at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Additionally, Alonso was named GQ Man of the Year in 2023, further highlighting his significant contributions to the sport and his enduring impact on Formula One.
These awards underscore Alonso’s talent, integrity, and lasting legacy in the world of motorsport.
Philanthropic efforts
Alonso is actively involved in philanthropic endeavors, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to society.
He established the Fundación Fernando Alonso (Fernando Alonso Foundation) with a primary focus on promoting motor racing and educating people about road safety.
Additionally, Alonso serves as an ambassador for UNICEF, advocating for children’s rights and welfare.
His charitable initiatives extend to supporting healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic by donating 4,000 sets of personal protective equipment (PPE) and 300,000 masks to aid those battling the virus.
Alonso’s dedication to philanthropy showcases his desire to make a positive impact beyond the realm of motorsport, emphasizing his altruistic nature and concern for the well-being of others.
Fernando Alonso family
Alonso’s family plays a significant role in his life and career. His parents are Jose Luis Alonso and Ana Diaz.
Jose, a former rally driver, introduced Alonso to the world of racing and instilled in him a passion for motorsport from a young age.
Ana supported him by making his racing outfits and providing unwavering encouragement throughout his journey.
Alonso’s family, including his sister Lorena, has been a source of unity and strength for him, emphasizing the importance of family values and support in his upbringing.
Their unwavering support and sacrifices, such as driving him to races across Spain and Europe, have been instrumental in shaping Alonso’s successful career and his outlook on life.