In the high-octane world of Formula 1, statistics tell only half the story, and according to Karun Chandhok, Fernando Alonso’s legacy deserves a massive rewrite. The former F1 driver boldly claimed that Alonso could have—and should have—more world championships than Max Verstappen, had fate played out differently.
Chandhok, analyzing Alonso’s career, pointed out that the 43-year-old Spaniard was just eight points away from becoming a five-time world champion. The numbers don’t lie—bad luck, chaotic seasons, and team missteps have cost Alonso at least three more titles that should have been his.
The ‘What Could Have Been’ Titles
Alonso, a two-time world champion with Renault in 2005 and 2006, didn’t just stop at those triumphs. He came painfully close to adding more silverware in several seasons:
- 2007: A chaotic season at McLaren saw Alonso miss out by just one point as Kimi Räikkönen snatched the championship.
- 2010: Driving for Ferrari, Alonso was leading the title race going into the final round, only to lose out due to a disastrous pit strategy in Abu Dhabi.
- 2012: Another near-miss—Alonso was just three points away from denying Sebastian Vettel his third title, despite Ferrari fielding a car that was far from the fastest on the grid.
“If you look at the statistics, Alonso was just eight points away from being a five-time world champion if things had gone his way in 2007, 2010, and 2012,” Chandhok remarked, emphasizing how small margins have rewritten F1 history.
Alonso’s Relentless Drive: Still Hungry at 43
Despite missing out on multiple titles, Alonso remains a force to be reckoned with, even as the oldest driver on the grid. Unlike many of his former rivals who retired, the Aston Martin driver is still going strong at 43 years old, showing no signs of slowing down.
Chandhok credited Alonso’s obsession with racing for his longevity, pointing to his ventures outside of F1, including the Dakar Rally and Le Mans.
“He loves to go outside and run Dakar, Le Mans, and all these kinds of things, but fundamentally, his life revolves around going around in circles,” Chandhok said, acknowledging Alonso’s pure passion for motorsport.
What’s Next for Alonso?
While his past is filled with near-misses, Alonso’s future still holds promise. He has huge ambitions for the 2026 season, with Aston Martin aiming to become a title contender—especially with the possible arrival of engineering mastermind Adrian Newey.
But first, all focus is on 2024. Alonso remains one of the most competitive drivers on the grid, still battling at the front despite nearly two decades in the sport. Will this be the year he finally gets another shot at glory?
One thing is certain—if there’s any driver who refuses to let history define him, it’s Fernando Alonso.
