Fernando Alonso Reveals His "Greatest Legacy" in Formula 1

Pulse Sports Team 13:00 - 19 September 2026

Fernando Alonso, the most experienced driver in Formula 1 history, boasts a long and illustrious career in the sport. Now, he has revealed what he considers his most significant "legacy" after a quarter-century on the track.

Since his debut in 2001, Alonso has started a record 439 races, with his most recent outing being a new event in his native Spain. A new circuit was constructed in Madrid specifically for this purpose, securing a 10-year deal with Formula 1 to host the Spanish Grand Prix.

Throughout his career, Alonso has clinched two world titles and 32 victories. However, the 45-year-old driver insists he takes greater pride in the impact he has had on his home country.

"I feel honored. When I debuted in 2001, my family watched the races on the German channel RTL because they weren't broadcast in Spain. This shows how small Formula 1 was 20 years ago and how much things have changed, as well as the passion of many drivers in Spain to become part of Formula 1.""And not just behind the wheel. I think perhaps five, seven, ten percent of mechanics and engineers now are Spanish. That's another thing we changed in Spain – the desire to be part of the sport in various roles. This is the biggest and one of the things I'm most proud of," added the two-time champion.

Alonso's career peaks, including his championship titles, came early, with his last title win two decades ago and his most recent Grand Prix victory 13 years prior. Despite feeling "lucky" to have experienced such success, Alonso specifically highlighted his influence beyond personal results.

"Winning races or championships, if you have the car and are in the right place at the right time – all 20 drivers here could get that opportunity. I was very lucky to experience it. But I think the biggest legacy for me and my career is the change in Spain – for Formula 1 and everything else, from karting, single-seaters, the various Spanish teams competing in these categories, even to some extent in rallies and other disciplines, my museum in Spain and all the visits there.""I don't know, there are many things outside the car that perhaps make me prouder of my career than the results themselves," the Spaniard concluded.