In his extensive Formula 1 career, Fernando Alonso has driven over twelve cars, but not all of them hold equal significance. Check out list below to discover the most remarkable cars that defined his career.
We has chosen to revisit the noteworthy F1 cars that have left an indelible mark on the lengthy career of “Magic”. Over the course of 16 seasons, he competed for Minardi, Renault, McLaren, Ferrari, and is currently with Aston Martin. Despite being 41 years old, he continues to leave his mark on the top echelon of global motorsport, driven to prove that he still has much to gain in the high-speed circus. Although there may be several models worth mentioning, we have curated a list of the top 10 most iconic ones for your perusal below.
10. Renault B201
As a test driver, “Magic” joined the Renault family with the Renault B201, though the starting drivers were Italian Giancarlo Fisichella and British Jenson Button. The car featured a V10 RS21 engine at 111°, setting it apart from other engines on the F1 grid.
9. McLaren MP4-22
In the 2007 season, the Prince of Asturias piloted the McLaren MP4-22 for the Vodafone McLaren-Mercedes team. This car, driven by Alonso, was one of the most competitive of the season, winning eight races. However, a rivalry with his teammate, Lewis Hamilton, coupled with a spying scandal involving Ferrari, prevented the team and Alonso from clinching the championship.
8. Renault R23
In 2003, the Renault R23 marked the beginning of Alonso’s rise in the Grand Circus, becoming the first single-seater with which he made his mark. This car delivered his first career victories and records. Its power source was a 3.0-litre Renault V10, featuring a 7-speed longitudinal titanium gearbox at the rear. Driving this car, “Magic” secured Pole Position and triumphed in the Hungarian GP, achieving his maiden F1 victory. Renault finished fourth in the Constructors’ World Championship that season, while Alonso placed sixth in the Drivers’ Championship.
7. Renault R24
The Renault R24 marked a unique milestone for Alonso. Although he did not secure any wins, he managed to accumulate numerous impressive results, culminating in a third-place finish at the end of the 2004 season. The car was propelled by a 3.0-litre mid-mounted Renault RS24 V10 engine, paired with a 7-speed transmission.
6. Ferrari F10
In 2010, the Ferrari F10 was the car that almost led Alonso to glory, ultimately landing him the runner-up position with the Prancing Horse team. This car was fitted with a robust 2.4L 90° V8 engine, with a maximum RPM cap of 18000. It also featured a 7-speed electronically controlled sequential semi-automatic transmission with reverse gear.
5. Ferrari F2012
The Ferrari F2012 was another Maranello creation that held the potential to establish Alonso as a champion, but he ended up settling for another runner-up position in 2012. One notable feature of this car was its blower exhaust system, which was banned by F1 regulations that year.
4. Alpine A521
Although the Alpine A521 did not yield many notable accomplishments for Alonso, it marked his return to the F1 paddock following a lengthy absence from the sport. This car was equipped with a turbocharged 1.6 L Renault E-Tech 20B direct injection V6 engine and an eight-speed sequential semi-automatic transmission with reverse gear. It could generate a power output exceeding 950 hp.
3. Aston Martin AMR23
Alonso’s current F1 ride is the Aston Martin AMR23, representing the team of the same name. Despite the 2023 season being in its infancy, Alonso has already secured two podium finishes with this car, placing third at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and the Bahéim GP. The AMR23 is equipped with a Mercedes engine and was designed by ex-Red Bull member Dan Fallows.
2. Renault R26
In the 2006 season, the Renault R26 enabled Alonso to clinch his second championship in the Grand Circus. Designed by Bob Bell, the car helped the French brand secure the Constructors’ World Championship with a total of 206 points. Alongside teammate Giancarlo Fisichella, the two drivers amassed 134 units. The R26 achieved a total of seven Pole Positions and eight victories throughout the season.
1. Renault R25
The Renault R25 is undoubtedly the most significant car in Alonso’s career and in the modern era of F1. It was with this car that he won the coveted 2005 Drivers’ Championship title, and it was also the last single-seater to win using a V10 engine. The R25 marked the end of an era of dominant V10 engines in F1. If you had to select just one car as Alonso’s most important, the R25 would undoubtedly be the one.