May 12 marked 12 years since Fernando Alonso‘s last victory in Formula 1. It was at the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix, when driving for Ferrari, that the Spaniard climbed to the top of the podium for the 32nd time in his career, the last in the ‘Grand Circus’, although not the last in the world of motor racing.
Fernando Alonso has not won an F1 race since the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix with Ferrari
Since then, Alonso has been with several teams, temporarily retired from the championship, and returned, but without managing to repeat a victory. He tried with Alpine in 2021 and 2022, and is now looking to do so with the Aston Martin team from 2023, with whom everything is shaping up to fight, even if for the last time, for the world championship.
But until then, number 32 remains valid and today celebrates its 12th anniversary. That image with the Spanish flag, pointing to the Ferrari cavallino on the steering wheel and the 95,000 spectators at Montmeló upside down. It was a superb victory, cemented by a start like those of today, inspired. And it broke statistics, which indicated that no one had ever won at Montmeló starting from beyond third position, and Fernando was fifth. That masterful double overtaking of Hamilton and Raikkonen in the second corner will remain in the memory…
He overtook a Vettel determined to stop three times and a Raikkonen determined to stop only once with that outstanding Lotus. Alonso stopped twice and won to move up to third, although shortly afterwards the FIA changed the tire regulations and Ferrari was left out of the game in favor of Red Bull. Almost like in 2023…
“I know that many of you have made a great effort to come here and this victory is for you. That’s why this victory, on behalf of myself and Ferrari, is for you. I hope it’s not the last one this year and that you can enjoy others on television,” said Fernando Alonso on May 12, 2013, without thinking that this would be a turning point in his Formula 1 career.
It could have been worse; it could have been the end. Or a pause, as suggested by the narration in his museum, where there are just a few brushstrokes to portray what he has experienced in recent years. In fact, the audio tour of his home in Oviedo ends with his victory in the World Endurance Championship and his participation in the Indianapolis 500, where visitors are invited to come back soon. Surely…
Meanwhile, the category has changed profoundly, both in terms of sport, technology, and media. Since that victory at Montmeló, F1 has crowned four different champions. Sebastian Vettel ended his golden era in 2013 with his fourth title, before Mercedes dominated with six championships for Lewis Hamilton and one for Nico Rosberg.
Since Alonso’s triumph, F1 has crowned four different champions
Since 2021, Max Verstappen and Red Bull have taken over with a new era of dominance. At the same time, the category introduced hybrid engines in 2014, revolutionizing the performance and sustainability of the sport, although that stage was particularly difficult for Alonso on his return to McLaren.
From 2014 to 2020 and the arrival of hybrid engines, it was Mercedes that based its dominance on brutal hybrid engines that caught the competition off guard. The rule change was based on the engines, and that’s where the star-studded team excelled. Just look at the miracle they performed with Williams: the legendary Grove-based team went from its worst season in 2013 to third place in 2014.
From here on, it was an era of change, lots of change. First in 2017, then in 2022 and from next year, in 2026, at least until 2030. The front wings will be simplified, the rear wings enlarged, and 18-inch tires will be introduced, which immediately changed the appearance of the F1 cars we had come to know.
Changes, changes, and more changes
All to improve the show. In addition, the ground effect returned in the latest regulatory measure to reduce the loss of up to 50% of downforce when one car is in the slipstream of another.
Another important aspect was the standardization of more parts, which in theory would mean lower costs for developing the cars. However, it also meant that there would be fewer opportunities for innovation, compounded by the freeze on engines from 2022.
Twelve years is a long time. For Fernando Alonso too. He has experienced many ways of not achieving what he truly wanted: glory, his long-awaited 33rd victory, his much sought-after third title, one that he has not been able to fight for since 2012, more than 13 years ago. That’s nothing, and in Formula 1 that’s everything. Twelve years for everyone.