Who is Fernando Alonso really?
In this piece, first published in the August 20 2015 issue of Autosport magazine, we attempt to untangle the myths, legends and misconceptions surrounding Fernando Alonso, with input from on-track rivals, former team colleagues and the man himself
Who is Fernando Alonso? He is a double Formula 1 world champion, of course; a Spanish sporting idol, undoubtedly; and he is one of the very best racing drivers of his generation, arguably. But others would say he is perhaps a ruthless operator, always placing his own needs above those of his team; possibly a voracious political animal, saying anything to advance his own cause, whatever the consequences; and potentially a Machiavellian megalomaniac, prepared to crush all who stand in the way of his irrepressible will to win.
Fernando Alonso is many things to many people, depending on allegiance, perception, caricature and misconception. This is true of all sporting stars. How you act, and the actions attributed to you, defines you; it becomes you. You cannot escape it, whether it is true or not.
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