Fernando Alonso, the man of bad choices?

Two world titles, only two titles one would be tempted to add, acquired in 2005 and 2006 with Renault, which only partially pay tribute to the talent and unfailing determination of Fernando Alonso. As a modern-day Don Quixote, the Spaniard has too often fought against the windmills at the wheel of single-seaters with limited performance. A man of lost causes which largely contributed to his legend, he is also the man of bad choices at the right times. Fatality, bad luck, casting error: there are many reasons which explain why the driver from Asturias rarely had in his hands the car above the rest which allowed him to Michael Schumacher in Ferrari, Sebastian Vettel in Red Bull, Lewis Hamilton in Mercedes et Max Verstappen for two seasons to string together victories like pearls. His successes, and this is to his credit, Alonso built them at the wheel of single-seaters that are certainly competitive, but in no way dominating.

Fernando Alonso's debut at Minardi in 2001 © DPPI

Which makes him a hero, but not a victim, because he had his chances and opportunities. His record is below what it should be, he owes it first of all to his choices which have not always been dictated by circumstances. Aston Martin will it be his last salvation? He has two seasons ahead of him, three at most, to make this last bet the ultimate redemption for all his misdirection.