Fernando Alonso. The name itself commands respect across the world of motorsport. A two-time Formula 1 World Champion, Le Mans winner, and one of the most skilled drivers to ever sit in an F1 cockpit. Yet, for all his talent, dedication, and longevity, Alonso now holds a different kind of record—one of the longest winless streaks in Formula 1 history.
As the 2025 F1 season charges toward its final stretch, Alonso’s last Grand Prix victory remains the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix—over 12 years ago. The streak, currently standing at over 200 Grands Prix, is a paradox in racing: a legendary driver with the resume of a champion, enduring one of the most prolonged droughts the sport has ever seen.
But just how does Alonso’s dry spell rank in the annals of F1 history? Who else has suffered similarly long gaps between wins, and what makes Alonso’s situation so uniquely compelling?
Let’s dive deep into the numbers, the stories, and the emotional weight of one of the most fascinating chapters in modern F1 history.
️ A Champion Without a Trophy Since 2013
Fernando Alonso’s last Formula 1 victory came on May 12, 2013, at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, driving for Ferrari. That afternoon, he drove a near-perfect race in front of his home crowd, taking what was then his 32nd career victory.
At the time, few could have predicted that it would be his last—for now.
Since that win, Alonso has raced for Ferrari, McLaren, Alpine, and Aston Martin, returned to F1 after a two-year hiatus, and even dabbled in other motorsport series including IndyCar, WEC, and the Dakar Rally. But that top step on the podium has remained frustratingly out of reach.
As of August 2025, Alonso’s winless streak spans:
- 12+ calendar years
- Over 200 Grands Prix entered
- Multiple generations of car regulations
Despite several near-misses—including podiums with Aston Martin in 2023 and strong runs in 2024—Alonso remains stuck in a holding pattern, chasing a return to the top that has proven elusive but never impossible.
Ranking Alonso’s Streak in F1 History
Let’s put Alonso’s drought into historical context by looking at some of the longest winless streaks F1 has seen—both in terms of races between wins and total duration.
Longest Gaps Between Wins (By Race Count):
| Driver | Wins Before & After | Races Between Wins | Years Between |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riccardo Patrese | 1983 South Africa → 1990 San Marino | 99 | ~7 years |
| Kimi Räikkönen | 2013 Australia → 2018 USA | 113 | ~5.5 years |
| Fernando Alonso | 2013 Spain → (Ongoing) | 200+ | 12+ years |
| Mario Andretti | 1971 South Africa → 1976 Japan | 72 | ~5 years |
| Bruce McLaren | 1959 USA → 1962 Monaco | 31 | ~2.5 years |
If Alonso does eventually win another Grand Prix, it would shatter the current record for the longest gap between wins in terms of both races and time. In fact, the length of his winless run is already unprecedented for a world champion still competing at a high level.
The Context: It’s Not Just About Numbers
While the numbers are astonishing, they only tell part of the story.
Unlike many drivers who suffered long gaps due to lack of competitiveness, injuries, or retirements, Alonso’s winless streak has occurred while remaining active, fiercely competitive, and often outperforming the machinery beneath him.
Key factors behind the streak:
- Team Performance Issues:
After leaving Ferrari in 2014, Alonso joined a struggling McLaren-Honda project that fell dramatically short of expectations. He endured several years of underpowered, unreliable cars. - F1’s Competitive Landscape:
During Alonso’s dry spell, F1 has seen the rise and domination of Mercedes (2014–2021) and more recently Red Bull (2022–2025). The consistency of top-tier teams has made breakthroughs from midfield outfits incredibly rare. - The Aston Martin Surge – And Plateau:
In 2023, Alonso and Aston Martin shocked the grid with a series of early-season podiums. Hopes were high, but a mid-season development race left them behind Red Bull and Mercedes once again. 2024 saw further flashes of pace—but not enough to secure a win.
Longevity Like No Other
What sets Alonso apart from others on this list isn’t just the duration—it’s the quality and intensity of his performances despite the drought.
At 44 years old, Alonso is still competing at a level that would embarrass drivers half his age. In 2023 and 2024, he was regularly outqualifying younger teammates and putting in vintage drives that drew widespread praise. He’s often referred to as the “fitness freak” of the paddock, a driver who has adapted seamlessly to three different generations of F1 cars.
His mental fortitude and relentless passion for racing remain undimmed, and it’s that spirit that makes each Grand Prix feel like it could be the one where the streak ends.
“Still I Rise” – Near Misses and What Could Have Been
Throughout the winless years, Alonso has had several heartbreakingly close calls. Notable examples include:
- 2023 Monaco GP – Finished P2, just behind Max Verstappen, despite being on an alternative strategy. A better tire call might have sealed victory.
- 2024 Canadian GP – Ran P3 with pace to challenge the leaders before a poorly timed safety car derailed strategy.
- 2025 Bahrain GP – Outqualified both Mercedes drivers and led briefly, but finished fourth after tire degradation set in.
In each of these instances, the ingredients for a win were present. But in modern F1, everything has to align perfectly—from weather and pit stops to tire strategy and timing. And that’s what has made Alonso’s drought all the more agonizing.
️ What Does Alonso Say?
Despite the long streak, Alonso has never lost his edge when speaking to the media. Often blunt, occasionally humorous, and always passionate, he has addressed the drought with humility and hope.
“I’m still here because I believe I can win. I’ve never stopped believing. Maybe it’s not this race, maybe not this year—but we fight. That’s all I know.” — Alonso, 2024
He’s also been candid about his future. While he recently extended his contract with Aston Martin through 2026, he admits that “time is not endless” but insists he won’t leave the sport “without giving everything.”
Final Thoughts: A Drought That Defines, Not Diminishes
So, where does Fernando Alonso’s winless streak rank in F1 history?
Numerically, it’s already the longest for a world champion.
Emotionally, it’s one of the most bittersweet tales in all of motorsport.
But it’s also a story of resilience, grit, and unfinished business. Few drivers in F1 history have maintained the level of hunger and performance Alonso has displayed this late into their careers. In many ways, the drought has only enhanced his legend, making any potential victory feel like a Hollywood script waiting for its final act.
And should that long-awaited win come—whether next weekend or next season—it won’t just break a record.
It will break the internet.
Do you think Fernando Alonso will win again before he retires? Let us know your prediction in the comments below or tag us on social media using #AlonsoWinWatch!
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