Fernando Alonso to Cash in $1 Million While Watching the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from His Car!
In a jaw-dropping twist that has Formula 1 fans buzzing, two-time world champion Fernando Alonso is set to rake in an astonishing $1 million this weekend—simply for watching the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from the comfort of his Aston Martin car! Yes, you read that right. The seasoned driver is poised to observe the high-stakes title showdown involving Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri as they battle it out for glory, while he sits back and enjoys the spectacle.
Alonso, who’s qualified sixth for the season finale, finds himself in a unique position. While the championship contenders take center stage, vying for the coveted title, Alonso’s own team, Aston Martin, is locked in a fierce tussle with Racing Bulls for sixth place in the constructors’ championship. With every position translating into significant financial rewards for the teams, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The 44-year-old Spaniard has his sights set not just on his own race but also on the thrilling title clash unfolding ahead of him. With Verstappen starting on pole and just 12 points shy of championship leader Norris, who will secure the title with a podium finish, Alonso’s focus is sharply trained on the action. He’s made it clear that he’ll be watching the drama unfold on multiple screens strategically placed throughout the Yas Marina Circuit. “It’s a very easy circuit,” he remarked, pointing out the abundance of screens available. “At three, you have a screen that’s in the middle. At five, there’s another one on the inside, at seven on the outside, at nine there are two: one at the entrance and one at the exit. Lots of screens, it’s going to be a show for us.”
But let’s get back to the staggering financial aspect. With his annual salary at Aston Martin hovering around $20 million, Alonso effectively earns nearly $1 million for each race weekend. So, is it fair to say that Aston Martin is essentially paying Alonso to enjoy the race on TV? It’s a provocative question that stirs up conversations about the nature of sporting contracts and the luxurious lifestyle of F1 athletes.
As the clock counts down to the race, the tension is palpable. Norris emerges as the favorite, but with Verstappen’s impressive pole position, the dynamics of the race could shift dramatically. Historically, the last ten Abu Dhabi Grand Prix events have seen winners starting from pole, making Verstappen a formidable contender for victory. Meanwhile, Piastri, trailing Norris by 16 points, faces a monumental challenge to claim the championship for himself.
While Alonso and his fellow competitors may relish the opportunity to catch all the action from their cars, they’ll sadly miss out on the expert analyses from Ted Kravitz and Martin Brundle. But one thing is certain: the Yas Marina Circuit will be ablaze with excitement as the championship is decided— and Alonso will be right there, cashing in while indulging in the thrilling spectacle.
Who will seize the title? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: this Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is shaping up to be one for the history books!
