Is Fernando Alonso the Unluckiest F1 Driver Ever? – Explained

Fernando Alonso is regarded as one of the most talented and respected drivers in Formula 1 history, with two World Championships and a career spanning over two decades. Yet, despite his exceptional skills and accomplishments, many argue that he could be considered the "unluckiest" driver in the sport’s history. A closer look at his career reveals why Alonso’s name often comes up when discussing drivers who seem to have been cursed by misfortune.

Mechanical Failures and Reliability Issues

One of the most striking aspects of Alonso’s career is the sheer number of mechanical failures and reliability issues that have plagued him. As of October 10, 2023, Alonso had recorded 75 DNFs (Did Not Finish) throughout his F1 career, with around 67 being due to mechanical failures—an unfortunate distinction among the current grid and one of the highest ever in F1 history.

Such incidents have occurred at critical moments, often costing Alonso potential race wins or championship titles. This trend of mechanical failures has left fans and experts questioning how many more accolades Alonso could have added to his resume if not for his persistent bad luck.

The Right Driver in the Wrong Car

Alonso’s career has also been marked by his decisions to switch teams at the wrong times. After winning two World Championships with Renault in 2005 and 2006, Alonso moved to McLaren in 2007, where a highly publicized rivalry with Lewis Hamilton overshadowed his championship bid. The following years saw him return to Renault, only for the team to be far from its competitive best.

His move to Ferrari in 2010 reignited hopes for more titles, but while Alonso delivered exceptional performances, Ferrari’s car often failed to match the dominant Red Bull and later Mercedes cars. Time and again, Alonso’s undeniable driving ability was let down by an underperforming vehicle. Even in recent years with Aston Martin, Alonso has shown flashes of brilliance but remains out of luck in securing another championship.

Alonso's Luck in Context

However, while Alonso has faced his share of misfortune, it’s important to note that other F1 legends like Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and even Lewis Hamilton have experienced their challenges and setbacks. Schumacher, for instance, also endured significant mechanical failures throughout his career, and Hamilton has lost championships due to car failures or strategy errors.

Yet, Alonso’s situation stands out due to the consistency and timing of his bad luck. His numerous near-misses, where just a slight change in fortune could have resulted in additional titles, make his case particularly compelling.