This season marks Fernando Alonso’s 22nd year in Formula 1, indicating he has now been part of the sport for half his life. Following his recent 44th birthday, he successfully qualified and finished fifth in Hungary, despite missing the first practice session due to a back muscle injury. Week after week, he demonstrates no signs of slowing down, holding the title of the oldest driver in Formula 1 since Graham Hill back in 1975.
The two-time World Champion is well-versed in breaking records, including being the driver with the most starts in F1 history—an achievement made even more remarkable considering he took a two-year break from the sport between 2019 and 2020.
Alonso also has a narrative reflected in the evolution of his personal style. From a youthful rookie to a seasoned racing veteran, here’s a look at how his aesthetic has transformed alongside his illustrious F1 career.
A Fresh-Faced Prodigy
Before achieving podium finishes, championships, and his iconic looks, Alonso entered Formula 1 eager to showcase his talent. During a Minardi test in 2000, followed by a stint as a Renault test driver from 2002, his appearance was quite understated.
Featuring short hair, a youthful smile, and race suits that seemed a bit oversized, he didn’t yet possess a distinct personal style. He appeared just as he was: a rookie focused on proving himself.
The distinctive style would come later; at this stage, his priority was to realize his potential.
The Rise of El Nano
As he clinched two consecutive World Championships with Renault in 2005 and 2006, Alonso unveiled one of his most iconic looks. With tousled hair, mirrored sunglasses, a bohemian necklace, and relaxed Renault racing gear—often paired with a matching bandana—he encapsulated the Y2K spirit.
He didn’t aim to be a style icon; instead, he just wanted to be himself. “I’m just a normal guy,” he said amidst his rapid rise to fame, and his appearance reflected that casual confidence.
While fierce and strategic on the track, off-track he exuded the effortless charm of someone unaffected by the need to impress others. A new wave of fans found a hero—and style inspiration—in El Nano.
Clean Cut at McLaren
Alonso’s transition to McLaren in 2007 brought a more polished look. With a clean-shaven appearance, shorter hair, and the sleek white and coral red race suits, his style became more refined, contrasting sharply with the flamboyance of his Renault days.
Although the appearance was slick, it felt more like a uniform due to his brief spell with the team. Upon returning to Renault in 2008, he revived his more relaxed and unique style, perhaps feeling more at home in his previous team.
Romantic Racer at Ferrari
Ferrari significantly influenced Alonso’s image, imparting a cinematic flair. His transition to larger sunglasses and accents of Rosso Corsa defined a signature look unmistakably linked to Ferrari.
Despite several seasons marked by near-misses—such as missing the World Championship by only three points in 2012—his off-track fashion choices remained spot on.
A Driver Defined
During his return to McLaren, despite experiencing on-track frustrations, Alonso embraced a genuinely authentic personal style. “My style is pretty casual,” he stated in a 2017 interview with Esquire Middle East. “When I’m not in my racing gear, you’ll usually find me in jeans, a t-shirt, and trainers.”
Throughout these years, he maintained a beard, often donned caps, and embodied a grounded vibe. “As I’ve grown older, I’ve become much more comfortable in what I wear,” he shared. This period was marked by a relaxed, self-assured, and comfortable aesthetic.
Alonso. Fernando Alonso.
Today, Alonso’s paddock presence is the epitome of refinement. Now with Aston Martin, his image has become sleek and polished. With sharp shirts, well-groomed facial hair, and structured team apparel, Alonso radiates a quiet authority, reminiscent of both a racing veteran and a modern secret agent.
There’s a precise quality to his current looks: minimalistic and rarely without sunglasses. His style is less about reinventing himself and more about precision, exuding the timeless coolness of someone who’s seen it all and knows how to own his appearance.
