Fernando Alonso is widely regarded as one of the most talented and experienced drivers in the history of Formula 1. Over his long career, the Spanish driver has earned a reputation for his fierce competitive spirit, his strategic brilliance on track, and his ability to perform in diverse conditions. However, like many champions, Alonso’s career has had its ups and downs. Following a difficult stint with McLaren between 2015 and 2018, he took a two-year break from F1 and competed in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), which would significantly change him as a person and driver.
Guenther Steiner, the team principal of Haas F1, has recently shared his views on Alonso’s transformation, noting the dramatic shift in the driver’s approach to racing since his return to Formula 1. In particular, Steiner draws a compelling comparison between Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton, suggesting that the two drivers now share similar qualities that help them perform at their best.
The Struggles and Break: Fernando Alonso’s Time Away from F1
Fernando Alonso‘s career has always been marked by a deep desire to win, and his early years in Formula 1 were filled with triumphs. His first two world championships in 2005 and 2006 with Renault set the stage for a highly successful career. However, his return to McLaren in 2007 was a tumultuous one, with team dynamics strained by his rivalry with teammate Lewis Hamilton. After a single season, Alonso left McLaren and rejoined Renault, before making a switch to Ferrari in 2010.
While his time at Ferrari was filled with near-misses in the quest for another championship, Alonso remained a fierce competitor, constantly battling for podiums and victories. However, by 2014, after a lackluster season, Alonso made the decision to leave Formula 1. His frustration with the lack of a competitive car and his yearning for victory prompted him to take a step away from the sport.
Between 2015 and 2018, Alonso ventured into the World Endurance Championship (WEC), where he competed for Toyota. This break from Formula 1 allowed him to explore new challenges and experience different types of racing. During this time, Alonso not only became a two-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner but also clinched the 2018 WEC championship, solidifying his status as one of the most versatile drivers in motorsport.
For many, Alonso’s break from F1 represented the end of his career at the top level of single-seater racing. However, it was during this time away from Formula 1 that Alonso underwent a significant transformation — one that would later be pivotal in his return to the sport.
A Different Fernando Alonso: The Return to Formula 1
When Fernando Alonso made his return to Formula 1 in 2021 with Alpine, many wondered whether the driver could still compete at the highest level after a two-year hiatus and several years spent racing in endurance events. What surprised many was the maturity and calmness that Alonso exhibited upon his return. Gone was the fiery, sometimes volatile driver who had been known to clash with teammates and management. Instead, the driver that returned was more composed, confident, and, crucially, focused entirely on performance.
Guenther Steiner, in his book Unfiltered, reflects on this transformation. In his analysis, Steiner highlights that Alonso’s experience away from Formula 1, particularly his success in WEC, helped him grow both personally and professionally. Steiner attributes a major part of this change to the way Alonso learned to manage his ego — a crucial aspect of his development.
As Steiner points out, “This is just my opinion, but winning the World Endurance Championship and being a two-time Le Mans winner while out of Formula 1 has allowed Fernando to learn to use his ego to his advantage. He wasn’t very good at that in previous years.” The shift in Alonso’s mindset allowed him to channel his energy more effectively, making him not just a better driver, but a more harmonious team member as well.
This development is especially notable given that, in the past, Alonso’s strong personality had sometimes led to tensions within teams. His outspoken nature and occasional criticism of teammates were points of friction in his earlier years, particularly during his time with McLaren and Ferrari. However, after his time in endurance racing, Alonso seemed to return with a new sense of humility and composure, recognizing the importance of teamwork in achieving long-term success.
Guenther Steiner Compares Fernando Alonso to Lewis Hamilton
One of the most striking elements of Steiner’s reflections on Fernando Alonso is the comparison he draws between the Spanish driver and Lewis Hamilton. Steiner believes that Alonso’s transformation has made him more similar to Hamilton in terms of demeanor and approach to racing. He writes, “And now look at him. He is quiet, confident and behaves flawlessly, which means he can put all his emotional and physical energy into being perfect on the track. In that respect, he is very similar to Lewis Hamilton.”
This comparison is significant for several reasons. Hamilton, like Alonso, is known for his remarkable consistency and ability to extract the maximum from both himself and his car. However, Hamilton’s journey in Formula 1 has been largely defined by a calm, measured approach — something that has allowed him to thrive under pressure and maintain focus throughout his career. While Alonso’s early years were defined by passion and aggression, his more recent performances have mirrored Hamilton’s composed, tactical style.
Both drivers, now in their 40s, continue to perform at an elite level, demonstrating that age and experience can be assets in Formula 1. Both Alonso and Hamilton understand the importance of psychological and emotional stability in maintaining peak performance, and it is this shared characteristic that Steiner identifies as a key factor in Alonso’s recent success.
The 2021 Qatar Grand Prix: Alonso’s Return to the Podium
Alonso’s return to Formula 1 in 2021 was marked by several key moments, but one of the most memorable came at the Qatar Grand Prix, where Alonso took his first podium finish since his return to the sport. The Spanish driver, who had not been on the podium since his Ferrari days, finished in third place, securing a much-needed result for Alpine. The performance not only showcased his exceptional driving skills but also demonstrated his renewed confidence.
In 2023, Alonso joined Aston Martin, a move that would prove to be one of the most exciting chapters in his career. Despite the challenges the team faced in terms of performance in the 2024 season, Alonso’s personal performance remained high. He finished the season with several strong results and played an important role in Aston Martin’s progress.
However, Aston Martin finished in fifth place in the 2024 Constructors’ Championship, falling short of their ambitious goals. The team, led by billionaire Lawrence Stroll, is already preparing for the future, hoping that the strategic moves they have made will pay off. The signing of Adrian Newey, the renowned design guru from Red Bull, is seen as a significant step toward achieving success in the coming years. Additionally, the team’s acquisition of former Mercedes chief Andy Cowell and engineer Enrico Cardile further demonstrates Aston Martin’s commitment to building a more competitive car.
Looking to the Future: Alonso and Aston Martin’s Ambitious Plans
Despite the setbacks of 2024, Fernando Alonso’s future in Formula 1 remains bright. As a veteran driver, his ability to adapt to changing circumstances, lead teams, and stay competitive is unmatched. While Aston Martin may have had a difficult season in terms of results, the team is not discouraged. With the new talent joining the team and the presence of Alonso, Aston Martin is poised to make significant strides in the coming seasons.
For Alonso, the combination of his leadership and driving experience with a team that is on the rise could result in even greater success. As the team continues to develop its car, the lessons that Alonso has learned over his career — both on and off the track — will no doubt be crucial in helping them reach new heights.
Fernando Alonso’s journey in Formula 1 has been one of incredible growth and transformation. From his early years as a talented but fiery driver to his more recent role as a composed, confident, and highly strategic competitor, Alonso’s career has evolved in a way that few could have predicted. Guenther Steiner’s reflections on Alonso’s transformation highlight the significant shift in the driver’s approach to racing, drawing a comparison to Lewis Hamilton, one of the sport’s most successful and composed drivers.
As Alonso continues to compete at the highest level, his ability to adapt and grow will remain one of his greatest assets. Whether with Alpine, Aston Martin, or any other team, Fernando Alonso’s legacy in Formula 1 is secure. However, his future remains filled with potential, and the next chapter in his illustrious career is sure to be as thrilling as the ones before it.
