Fernando Alonso Celebrates Landmark 400th Race Demonstrating His Passion For Formula 1

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Fernando Alonso is preparing for a significant milestone as he approaches his 400th Grand Prix this weekend. The Spanish driver, who has won the world championship twice, sees this achievement as a testament to his enduring passion for Formula 1. At the Mexico City Grand Prix, Alonso will become the first driver to reach this impressive number of races.

Despite the demands of travelling to 24 races annually, Alonso finds immense satisfaction in racing. "To reach 400 now is a big number," he shared on F1's Beyond The Grid podcast. He noted that while others might achieve this in the future, it will likely be a small group. This milestone underscores his love for racing and the lifestyle it brings.

Reflecting on his career, Alonso admitted that when he started in Formula 1 as a teenager in 2001, he never imagined reaching such heights. Winning world championships in 2005 and 2006 was beyond his wildest dreams. "I think that guy in 2001, I was not really thinking too much about the future," he said.

In those early days, Alonso didn't have a clear career path and approached each race as a new adventure. He recalled how joining McLaren with a three-year contract from 2007 to 2009 felt like a long-term commitment at the time. He was almost certain that 2009 would mark the end of his F1 journey.

Alonso's career longevity is remarkable, especially considering he contemplated leaving the sport permanently 15 years ago. "When I signed that contract," he explained, "in my head at that time, it was like a long-term contract and three years may feel long, but this is the last."

The Spaniard had already achieved his dream of becoming an F1 champion and felt fulfilled. However, looking back now, even Alonso acknowledges that his younger self would find reaching 400 Grands Prix surprising.

Alonso's journey through Formula 1 has been one of unexpected twists and turns. His ability to adapt and thrive over two decades highlights not only his skill but also his deep-seated love for racing. As he prepares for his landmark race in Mexico City, Alonso's story continues to inspire fans worldwide.