Lewis Hamilton [http://www.essentiallysports.com/hamiltons-top-3-rivals-revealed/] is aware that he will have his hands full in the 2018 Formula One season. One F1 rival in paeticular, McLaren driver Fernando Alonso believes that he is ready to compete at the front of the grid once again. The 33-year old sealed his fourth Drivers’ Championship in 2017 after fending off Sebastian Vettel [https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/915343/Lewis-Hamilton-Sebastian-Vettel-unhappy-Fernando-Alonso-Le-Mans-Indy]‘s challenge with two races to spare. The Mercedes W08’s superior reliability ensured that Hamilton’s teammate Valtteri Bottas completed the top three behind Vettel. But double world champion Fernando Alonso has faith that Hamilton’s former team, McLaren, can challenge for the title. The Spaniard himself is hoping to end a 12-year wait for a championship. F1 rival [http://www.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/1022.6666666666666x767__origin__0x0_Fernando_Alonso_and_Lewis_Hamilton-700x367-300x157.jpg]Alonso has warned Hamilton to watch his back Alonso said, “In terms of results, it is always going to be difficult to predict. This is Formula 1, it is not mathematical that you know in advance. Anything can happen. Even the favourite ones, the champions, Mercedes cannot guarantee that in 2018 they will be fastest. But we are quite optimistic, we know what Red Bull is doing with the Renault power unit, they are maybe not the fastest in qualifying but they are quite fast in the race.”He continued, “They’ve been on a couple of podiums, they won two or three races, so with those kinds of results I think we will be very happy. If we are in the fight and if we can taste the champagne again.” If Alonso’s prediction of a competitive McLaren does come true, it will be a relief for them and the multitudes of McLaren fans. It will also turn the championship into a 4-horse race. Hamilton must also remember that Alonso is not the only F1 rival breathing down his neck. The likes of Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen will be lurking as well, and as the saying goes, ‘Your teammate is your biggest rival’. One must also not discount Kimi Raikkonen and Daniel Ricciardo either. Because that was how Raikkonen won the 2007 championship, Hamilton was so focused on Massa that he forgot that the Finn was still on the hunt. 

Defending champion Lewis Hamilton has no dearth of F1 rivals, but one F1 rival
in particular has warned him to watch his back. Fernando Alonso has tipped his
own team to be a dark horse in the 2018 championship fight

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[caption id="attachment_835039" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-835039 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-11-21T161313Z_1041160154_UP1EHBL191ZJU_RTRMADP_3_MOTOR-F1-QATAR.jpg" alt="Alpine F1 driver Fernando Alonso" width="1920" height="1357" /> Formula One F1 - Qatar Grand Prix - Losail International Circuit, Lusail, Qatar - November 21, 2021 Third placed Alpine's Fernando Alonso celebrates on the podium with champagne REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani[/caption]
<h2><strong>Fernando Alonso 2022: </strong><strong>Net Worth, Salary, and Endorsements</strong></h2>
Fernando Alonso has been established as one of the best drivers of his generation. The Spaniard is one driver who should never be underestimated. Even in a car that was not up to the mark, he would wring out every ounce of performance and put it in places where it should not be.

He made his debut in 2001 driving for Minardi. It was also the same year that <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/kimi-raikkonen/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kimi Raikkonen</a> made his debut. In 2002, he joined forces with <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/f1/renault/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Renault</a> in the capacity of a test driver before graduating to a race seat in 2003.

After winning two back-to-back championships, he moved to <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/f1/mclaren/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">McLaren</a>. However, he returned to Renault a year later. In 2010, he joined <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/f1/ferrari/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ferrari</a> and raced for them until 2014. Finally, he returned to McLaren in 2015 and stayed with them until his retirement in 2018.

Shortly after retiring, Fernando Alonso and NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fb0pTpqGkpU" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">swapped rides</a> as part of a special one-off event. The double World Champion drove Johnson's Chevrolet Camaro by Hendrick Motorsports while Johnson took to the wheel of Alonso's 2018 McLaren F1 car.

However, Alonso's 'retirement' from Formula 1 didn't last very long. In July 2020, Alonso announced his return to the pinnacle of motorsport with Renault turned Alpine in 2021. Coming full circle, Alonso rejoined the French team, having completed 2 previous stints with the Enstone outfit.

The Spaniard partnered Esteban Ocon at the Renault-powered Alpine Racing over the 2021 season. Alonso went on to clinch his first podium in years at the inaugural Qatar Grand Prix.

He will stay with the team until the end of 2022 while his teammate extended his stay until the end of 2024.

READ MORE- <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/who-all-has-former-f1-driver-fernando-alonso-dated-a-list-of-his-girlfriends-from-the-past/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-wpel-link="internal">Who Has Fernando Alonso Dated? A List of His Girlfriends From the Past</a>
<h2><strong>Fernando Alonso: Stats and On-track Achievements</strong></h2>
Fernando Alonso is a double-World Champion with the Renault F1 team. His maiden podium came in 2003 in what was just his second race for Renault at the Malaysian Grand Prix.

Later that year, the maiden win would follow at the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hungarian_Grand_Prix" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hungarian Grand Prix</a>. He bagged a few more podiums in 2004. And in 2005, he wrestled the championship away from<a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/michael-schumacher/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Michael Schumacher</a>. That year, he won by a hefty 21 points ahead of Kimi Raikkonen, and Michael Schumacher was held off by a 60-point void.

2006 was a bit closer between him and Michael, with 13 points separating them. In 2007, <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/lewis-hamilton/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lewis Hamilton</a> happened, and it was a tumultuous year for Alonso and his new team, McLaren.

Beyond that year, the win well gradually began to dry up for the Spaniard. He only picked up 13 wins across 10 years. The 2013 Spanish Grand Prix was his last win for Ferrari and in Formula One.

In an F1 career spanning 17 years, Alonso started 322 Grand Prix, winning 32 races and clinching 97 podiums in the process. He also racked up 1937 points.

It's no secret that Alonso is aiming for the 'triple crown' in motorsport. The triple crown involves winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Monaco Grand Prix, and the Indianapolis 500.

Alonso has triumphed in Monaco and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Spaniard is keen to add another feather to his cap with a win at the Indy500.

Sadly, he's been unlucky so far. In his first attempt in 2017, Alonso retired from the race, having led the race for a commendable 27 laps. In 2019, Alonso failed to qualify for the event following a series of issues, which weren't entirely of his own making. He competed in the 2020 event with Arrow McLaren SP but hardly made an impression as he qualified P26 and reached home in P21.

[caption id="attachment_484160" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-484160" src="https://www.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-838396468.jpg" alt="Fernando Alonso ahead of the 2017 Belgian Grand prix" width="1920" height="1280" /> SPA, BELGIUM - AUGUST 24: Fernando Alonso of Spain and McLaren Honda talks in the Paddock during previews ahead of the Formula One Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Spa, Belgium. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)[/caption]
<h2><strong>Fernando Alonso: 2022 Net Worth</strong></h2>
Fernando's net worth is <a href="https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-athletes/race-car-drivers/fernando-alonso-net-worth/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">estimated to be worth $240 million</a>. His annual salary in his final F1 season with McLaren <a href="https://www.forbes.com/profile/fernando-alonso/#4e1ee7534406" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">was a whopping $33 million</a>. Despite staying away from F1 for 2 whole seasons, he received a king's welcome at Alpine, as the Spaniard enjoyed a salary of $25M in 2021, which also rated him as the <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/brettknight/2021/07/22/formula-1-highest-paid-drivers-hamilton-verstappen/?sh=47a3a6fe1182" target="_blank" rel="noopener">third highest-paid driver</a> on the grid. As of 2022, Alonso will earn $20M per year and is likely to extend his Alpine F1 contract at least until the end of 2023.

He won the Sports Prince of Asturias Award in 2005.
<h2><strong>Fernando Alonso: Endorsements</strong></h2>
He was 39th on the Forbes list of Highest-Paid Athletes in 2018. He received around $1 million in endorsements and a salary of $33 million. Fernando Alonso often sports cool sunglasses, which are made by his own fashion brand- Kimoa, a brand that he is sponsored by.
<h2>Best Moments of Fernando Alonso</h2>
<h2><strong>Fernando Alonso: Foundations and Charity</strong></h2>
Fernando Alonso supports the <a href="https://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/fernando-alonso" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sightsavers International foundation</a>. It works to combat blindness in developing countries, restoring sight through specialist treatment and eye care. They also support people who are irreversibly blind by providing education, counseling, and training. He is also the goodwill ambassador for UNICEF.

In 2007, Fernando founded the <a href="https://www.fernandoalonso.com/category/fundacion/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fundación Fernando Alonso</a>, which is a foundation that aims to promote road safety.

<strong>ALSO READ- </strong><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/f1-coronavirus-news-fernando-alonso-join-hands-with-unicef-to-donate-masks-in-spain/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-wpel-link="internal">Fernando Alonso Join Hands With UNICEF to Donate Masks in Spain</a>
<h3>How to contact Fernando Alonso</h3>
Fans can reach out to Fernando Alonso through his official website at <a href="https://www.fernandoalonso.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.fernandoalonso.com</a>

Alternatively, those interested can contact Alonso through his multiple social media handles, which include -  <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fernandoalo_oficial/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/alo_oficial?lang=es" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FernandoAlonsoOficial/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a>.
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="319"><strong>Age</strong></td>
<td width="319">40</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="319"><strong>Marital Status</strong></td>
<td width="319">Divorced</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="319"><strong>Spouse</strong></td>
<td width="319">None</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="319"><strong>Residence</strong></td>
<td width="319">Switzerland</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="319"><strong>Nationality</strong></td>
<td width="319">Spanish</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="319"><strong>Endorsements</strong></td>
<td width="319">Kimoa</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="319"><strong>Height</strong></td>
<td width="319">1.71m</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="319"><strong>Ethnicity</strong></td>
<td width="319">White</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="319"><strong>Championships</strong></td>
<td width="319">2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="319"><strong>Kids</strong></td>
<td width="319">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Fernando Alonso

Formula One F1 &#8211; Qatar Grand Prix &#8211; Losail International Circuit, Lusail, Qatar &#8211; November 21, 2021 Third placed Alpine&#8217;s Fernando Alonso celebrates on the podium with champagne REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani Fernando Alonso 2022: Net Worth, Salary, and Endorsements Fernando Alonso has been established as one of the best drivers of his generation. The Spaniard is one driver who should never be underestimated. Even in a car that was not up to the mark, he would wring out every ounce of performance and put it in places where it should not be. He made his debut in 2001 driving for Minardi. It was also the same year that Kimi Raikkonen made his debut. In 2002, he joined forces with Renault in the capacity of a test driver before graduating to a race seat in 2003. After winning two back-to-back championships, he moved to McLaren. However, he returned to Renault a year later. In 2010, he joined Ferrari and raced for them until 2014. Finally, he returned to McLaren in 2015 and stayed with them until his retirement in 2018. Shortly after retiring, Fernando Alonso and NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson swapped rides as part of a special one-off event. The double World Champion drove Johnson&#8217;s Chevrolet Camaro by Hendrick Motorsports while Johnson took to the wheel of Alonso&#8217;s 2018 McLaren F1 car. However, Alonso&#8217;s &#8216;retirement&#8217; from Formula 1 didn&#8217;t last very long. In July 2020, Alonso announced his return to the pinnacle of motorsport with Renault turned Alpine in 2021. Coming full circle, Alonso rejoined the French team, having completed 2 previous stints with the Enstone outfit. The Spaniard partnered Esteban Ocon at the Renault-powered Alpine Racing over the 2021 season. Alonso went on to clinch his first podium in years at the inaugural Qatar Grand Prix. He will stay with the team until the end of 2022 while his teammate extended his stay until the end of 2024. READ MORE- Who Has Fernando Alonso Dated? A List of His Girlfriends From the Past Fernando Alonso: Stats and On-track Achievements Fernando Alonso is a double-World Champion with the Renault F1 team. His maiden podium came in 2003 in what was just his second race for Renault at the Malaysian Grand Prix. Later that year, the maiden win would follow at the Hungarian Grand Prix. He bagged a few more podiums in 2004. And in 2005, he wrestled the championship away from Michael Schumacher. That year, he won by a hefty 21 points ahead of Kimi Raikkonen, and Michael Schumacher was held off by a 60-point void. 2006 was a bit closer between him and Michael, with 13 points separating them. In 2007, Lewis Hamilton happened, and it was a tumultuous year for Alonso and his new team, McLaren. Beyond that year, the win well gradually began to dry up for the Spaniard. He only picked up 13 wins across 10 years. The 2013 Spanish Grand Prix was his last win for Ferrari and in Formula One. In an F1 career spanning 17 years, Alonso started 322 Grand Prix, winning 32 races and clinching 97 podiums in the process. He also racked up 1937 points. It&#8217;s no secret that Alonso is aiming for the &#8216;triple crown&#8217; in motorsport. The triple crown involves winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Monaco Grand Prix, and the Indianapolis 500. Alonso has triumphed in Monaco and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Spaniard is keen to add another feather to his cap with a win at the Indy500. Sadly, he&#8217;s been unlucky so far. In his first attempt in 2017, Alonso retired from the race, having led the race for a commendable 27 laps. In 2019, Alonso failed to qualify for the event following a series of issues, which weren&#8217;t entirely of his own making. He competed in the 2020 event with Arrow McLaren SP but hardly made an impression as he qualified P26 and reached home in P21. SPA, BELGIUM &#8211; AUGUST 24: Fernando Alonso of Spain and McLaren Honda talks in the Paddock during previews ahead of the Formula One Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Spa, Belgium. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) Fernando Alonso: 2022 Net Worth Fernando&#8217;s net worth is estimated to be worth $240 million. His annual salary in his final F1 season with McLaren was a whopping $33 million. Despite staying away from F1 for 2 whole seasons, he received a king&#8217;s welcome at Alpine, as the Spaniard enjoyed a salary of $25M in 2021, which also rated him as the third highest-paid driver on the grid. As of 2022, Alonso will earn $20M per year and is likely to extend his Alpine F1 contract at least until the end of 2023. He won the Sports Prince of Asturias Award in 2005. Fernando Alonso: Endorsements He was 39th on the Forbes list of Highest-Paid Athletes in 2018. He received around $1 million in endorsements and a salary of $33 million. Fernando Alonso often sports cool sunglasses, which are made by his own fashion brand- Kimoa, a brand that he is sponsored by. Best Moments of Fernando Alonso Fernando Alonso: Foundations and Charity Fernando Alonso supports the Sightsavers International foundation. It works to combat blindness in developing countries, restoring sight through specialist treatment and eye care. They also support people who are irreversibly blind by providing education, counseling, and training. He is also the goodwill ambassador for UNICEF. In 2007, Fernando founded the Fundación Fernando Alonso, which is a foundation that aims to promote road safety. ALSO READ- Fernando Alonso Join Hands With UNICEF to Donate Masks in Spain How to contact Fernando Alonso Fans can reach out to Fernando Alonso through his official website at https://www.fernandoalonso.com Alternatively, those interested can contact Alonso through his multiple social media handles, which include &#8211;  Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.  Age 40  Marital Status Divorced  Spouse None  Residence Switzerland  Nationality Spanish  Endorsements Kimoa  Height 1.71m  Ethnicity White  Championships 2  Kids 0