Why Alonso's first title winner should be an all-time great
Renault's R25 was the first title-winning car in 14 years not designed by Adrian Newey or Rory Byrne. Why is it still not recognised as a classic F1 car? Words DAMIEN SMITH Studio pictures JAMES MANN
The car that finally prised Michael Schumacher and Ferrari's five-year grip from the throat of Formula 1; the car that delivered Renault its first title as a full-blooded constructor; the car that made Fernando Alonso the youngest ever world champion; and remarkably, the first title winner since 1991 not designed by either Adrian Newey or Rory Byrne.
Yet the Renault R25 that set these landmark records wasn't even considered by many as the best car of 2005, never mind an F1 great. Surprising? In the context of Alonso's ever increasing standing within grand prix history, it should be. After all, the R25 represents exactly half of his world title-winning tally, from a career that has promised so much more than 'only' two championships.
Share Or Save This Story
How F1’s most famous engine unlocked the potential of Brabham's forgotten gem
The detail focus that will make Audi’s Red Bull hire a hit team boss
The Russell traits that will ease his adaption to becoming Mercedes team leader
Can Alpine’s latest regime change shift its course?
Why long Sainz courtship was only one factor in eventual Williams union
How F1’s tech war has transformed in 2024
The apparently humble F1 component with remarkable attributes
The statistical F1 anomaly Verstappen will seek to remedy in Singapore
Formula 1 drivers with the most converted pole positions to race wins
Lundgaard feels “more natural pace” with Arrow McLaren in debut test
How a standard bearer of BTCC’s golden era replicated Vauxhall glory with Nissan
Meyer Shank signs BMW, Cadillac talents for IMSA return with Acura
How Red Bull owes its F1 future - and past - to Ford
How F1’s most famous engine unlocked the potential of Brabham's forgotten gem
The detail focus that will make Audi’s Red Bull hire a hit team boss
The Russell traits that will ease his adaption to becoming Mercedes team leader
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
