Fernando Alonso
A fiercely intelligent and relentless Formula One competitor who conquered the sport's greatest driver and expanded his legend to endurance racing.
Born 1981 (age 45)·Spanish racing driver·Birthday: July 29·Millennials
Biography
Fernando Alonso arrived in Formula One with a quiet fury, a Spaniard determined to crack a scene long dominated by others. His breakthrough with Renault in the mid-2000s was seismic; in 2005, he dethroned the mighty Michael Schumacher to become the sport's then-youngest world champion, a title he defended the following year. Alonso's career is defined by a combative brilliance, often extracting performance from cars that had no right to compete at the front. After moves to McLaren and Ferrari brought near-misses, he embarked on a remarkable second act beyond F1, achieving motorsport's unofficial 'Triple Crown' by winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice and the 24 Hours of Daytona. His return to Formula One in his forties with Aston Martin, where he continues to battle for podiums, cements his status as one of the most complete and enduring drivers in history.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Fernando was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Fernando Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Fernando's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Formula One World Drivers' Championship in 2005 and 2006 with Renault.
- Became a two-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2018 and 2019 with Toyota.
- Secured the FIA World Endurance Championship for the 2018-19 season.
- Won the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2019 with Wayne Taylor Racing.
Did You Know?
He is the only driver to have won both the F1 World Championship and the World Endurance Championship.
He briefly competed in the Indianapolis 500 in 2017 and led 27 laps before an engine failure.
He named his first kart 'Kissy' because he kissed it for good luck before races.
“I race to win. If I am on the bike or in a car, even in a banana boat, I will try to win.”
