Fernando Alonso, now driving for Aston Martin, joined McLaren’s historic celebration of its 1,000th Grand Prix, paying tribute to the Woking team’s legacy while looking ahead to its expanding racing programme.
McLaren marks a thousand‑Grand Prix achievement
The British outfit assembled a mix of current talent—Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri—and a roster of alumni, turning the event into a reunion of the brand’s most recognizable figures. Organisers highlighted the milestone as not only a Formula 1 record but also a testament to McLaren’s involvement in endurance racing and IndyCar.
Alonso reflects on his McLaren past and future ambitions
Speaking to Sky Sports F1, the two‑time champion described McLaren as “an incredible organisation” and noted that “1000 grands prix in Formula 1, but not only Formula 1, with endurance racing, with IndyCar.” He praised CEO Zak Brown for revitalising the marque’s competitive edge, adding that Brown’s vision has enabled projects such as Alonso’s bid for motorsport’s Triple Crown, including an IndyCar entry.
Alonso, who first wore the famous red‑and‑white race suit in 2007 and returned for a second spell from 2015 to 2018, recalled the inspiration he drew from Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost during the team’s dominant 1990s era. “I had the chance to drive for them in IndyCar, and in Formula 1 two times,” he said, underscoring his personal connection to the brand.
The celebration roster also featured David Coulthard, Mika Häkkinen, Emerson Fittipaldi, Juan Pablo Montoya and Lewis Hamilton, underscoring the breadth of talent that has passed through McLaren’s paddock over the decades.
Current challenges for the Aston Martin driver
While honouring his former team, Alonso remains embroiled in a difficult 2026 season. The Aston Martin AMR26 struggles with persistent technical issues, leaving the Spaniard at the bottom of the drivers’ standings after five rounds with zero points, a position mirrored by teammate Lance Stroll, who sits 21st, also scoreless.
As McLaren looks to leverage its thousand‑Grand Prix platform for future growth, Alonso’s appearance serves as a reminder of the enduring links between past triumphs and the competitive battles yet to unfold on the grid.
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