Fernando Alonso's 2019: What Was He Up To?

Alright guys, let's talk about Fernando Alonso in 2019. Now, for many of us hardcore motorsport fans, 2019 might feel like a bit of a blank spot for the two-time F1 world champion. He wasn't exactly tearing up the Formula 1 track in a McLaren or Renault, was he? Nope. After leaving F1 at the end of 2018, Alonso took a bit of a sabbatical, or at least a significant break from the pinnacle of motorsport. But that doesn't mean he was kicking back with a margarita on a beach the whole year. Oh no, Fernando Alonso is not built that way. He's a racer through and through, and 2019 was actually a pretty fascinating year for him, filled with new challenges, different racing disciplines, and plenty of that signature Alonso determination. We're going to dive deep into what the Spaniard was up to, exploring his ventures beyond F1 and how he kept his competitive fire burning. You might be surprised by the sheer variety of his activities!

So, what exactly was Fernando Alonso doing in 2019? Well, the biggest headline for his 2019 season was his full-time commitment to the World Endurance Championship (WEC), specifically with the Toyota Gazoo Racing team. This was a massive undertaking, building on his legendary victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2018 alongside teammates Kazuki Nakajima and Sébastien Buemi. In 2019, the goal was clear: win the WEC Super Season championship. It's important to remember that the WEC Super Season spanned across 2018 and 2019, so his 2019 activities were intrinsically linked to this endurance racing quest. He participated in races like the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps and the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans once again. While the championship ultimately eluded him that year (Toyota Gazoo Racing won the title, but not with Alonso as the primary driver accumulating the most points across the entire season, due to his partial participation), his performance was still stellar. He showcased his incredible adaptability, driving skill, and sheer grit in the demanding world of endurance racing. This wasn't just a casual side project; Alonso was deeply invested, pushing himself and the car to the absolute limit in every single race. The intensity of these races, battling traffic, managing tire degradation, and driving for hours on end, is a testament to his diverse talent. It’s a different beast compared to F1, requiring immense stamina and a different strategic approach. He proved he could master it, even if the ultimate championship trophy didn't land in his hands in 2019. The commitment required for these long-haul races, often with multiple drivers sharing a single car, is something that sets endurance racing apart, and Alonso embraced it wholeheartedly.

Beyond the WEC, Fernando Alonso also kept his competitive spirit alive with a foray into IndyCar racing. Yes, you heard that right! After his thrilling, albeit somewhat controversial, debut at the Indianapolis 500 in 2017 where he led laps and challenged for the win before a late engine failure, Alonso announced his intention to compete in the 2019 Indianapolis 500 again. This time, he teamed up with McLaren and the newly formed IndyCar team, Arrow McLaren SP. The buzz around his return was immense. Fans were eager to see if he could finally conquer the Brickyard. Unfortunately, it wasn't to be. Despite showing flashes of his F1 brilliance, Alonso failed to qualify for the 2019 Indy 500. This was a massive shock, not just to him, but to the entire motorsport community. It highlighted the brutal competitiveness of qualifying for this prestigious race and the fine margins involved. Even a driver of Alonso's caliber could be caught out. It was a tough pill to swallow, no doubt, but true champions learn from setbacks. This experience, though disappointing in its outcome, further cemented his reputation as a driver willing to take on any challenge, anywhere. It's a testament to his unwavering desire to compete at the highest level, regardless of the series. The Indy 500, with its unique oval racing dynamics and massive crowds, presents a completely different set of challenges compared to F1 or WEC. Alonso's attempt to master it, even with the qualifying disappointment, speaks volumes about his versatility and his refusal to shy away from difficult endeavors. It’s this fearless pursuit of victory across different motorsport disciplines that has always defined him.

And let's not forget his continued involvement with his own motorsport ventures. In 2019, Fernando Alonso was actively developing his presence in areas like karting, with the FA Racing team, and even exploring other racing series. While F1 was his main stage for so many years, Alonso has always had a broader vision for motorsport. He wasn't just content with driving; he wanted to contribute to the sport's growth and nurture new talent. His karting team, FA Karting, has been a platform for young drivers to hone their skills, and in 2019, he continued to invest time and resources into its development. This shows a different side of Alonso – the team owner, the mentor, the entrepreneur. It’s a strategic move that keeps him connected to the roots of racing and allows him to give back to the sport that has given him so much. He’s not just chasing checkered flags; he’s building a legacy. This dedication to the grassroots level is often overlooked when people focus solely on his F1 achievements, but it's a crucial part of his enduring passion for motorsport. The insights gained from his F1 career undoubtedly inform his approach to managing and developing young talent. It’s a cycle of learning and contributing that makes him a truly unique figure in the motorsport world. Furthermore, he was rumored and involved in various discussions regarding future racing projects, keeping his options open and his mind sharp for whatever came next. His strategic thinking extends beyond the cockpit.

So, while 2019 might not be remembered for a dominant F1 season by Fernando Alonso, it was far from a quiet year. He was actively competing in the demanding World Endurance Championship, aiming for glory with Toyota Gazoo Racing. He bravely took on the challenge of the Indianapolis 500 for a second time, even if qualifying proved to be an insurmountable hurdle that year. And he continued to invest in his own motorsport projects, nurturing the next generation of racers. Fernando Alonso in 2019 was a testament to his enduring passion, his incredible versatility, and his unyielding competitive spirit. He proved that even without an F1 seat, he remains one of the most compelling figures in the global motorsport landscape. He wasn't just resting; he was reinventing, exploring, and pushing the boundaries of what a racing driver can achieve. It's this relentless drive that keeps fans like us on the edge of our seats, eagerly anticipating his next move. He's a true legend, and 2019 was just another chapter in his extraordinary career, showcasing that his racing DNA runs deep, no matter the circuit or the car. The sheer determination to compete and succeed across such varied disciplines is what makes him such an inspirational figure. He didn't need F1 to be relevant; his talent and drive spoke for themselves across the motorsport spectrum. It was a year of diverse challenges, and Alonso tackled them head-on, embodying the spirit of a true competitor. He was always a man of action, and 2019 was no exception, proving his love for racing transcends any single category. His influence on the sport, even away from the F1 spotlight, remained significant, inspiring many with his relentless pursuit of excellence. He was, and still is, a benchmark for dedication and skill in the racing world. The year solidified his status as a global motorsport icon, unafraid to venture into the unknown and emerge stronger.