Spain has been the happiest country last week. From Wimbledon to Euros 2024, the Bandera de Espana soared the highest in the sky. As the celebrations continue, athletes are back to training, with Spaniards still praising them. Meanwhile, the winds of tennis and soccer have reached the F1 paddock, and guess who’s venerating the athletes? F1’s ‘Spanish Samurai’, Fernando Alonso, applauded these achievements and believes Carlos Alcaraz, seen as Rafael Nadal’s heir, is destined for greatness.

Alcaraz has reached great heights in the nascent stage of his career, which has impressed Fernando Alonso. He can resonate with the young new king of turfs. Alonso’s early years were marked with achievements and world titles – just like Alcaraz’s; hence, the Spanish F1 veteran has great respect for his country’s gem. On the other hand, the Aston Martin driver can’t ignore tennis veteran and fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal‘s contribution to the sport.

At the FIA’s press conference on Thursday, Fernando Alonso was asked if he enjoyed last Sunday as Spanish sports reached its pinnacle. The interviewer asked: “Spanish sport has just had an incredible Sunday with victories at Wimbledon and in the Euros final. How much did you enjoy it?” Without a moment’s hesitation, ‘Nando’ replied with pride in his voice: “Well, the whole country enjoyed for sure. I mean in tennis, we had an incredible run with Rafa Nadal for many, many years – two decades in the top spot – and now with Carlos. So, yeah, I think we are in good hands there.” 

Alonso continued, “He’s [Carlos Alcaraz] very young, very talented. And, yeah, I think that the whole country is enjoying every time he plays.” When Rafael Nadal debuted back in 2001, he was just 14. Since then, he has broken records and made history, and Carlos Alcaraz is on a similar path. The same boyish charm and the ‘Latino aggression’ of both Spanish tennis players are a gift to the sport.

Time and again, Alcaraz has acknowledged Nadal’s influence on his game. While both Fernando Alonso and Rafael Nadal debuted in 2001, and have dominated in their respective tenures, now, Carlos Alcaraz is rising as a new tennis star. Recently, Spain won the Euros 2024, marking another milestone as Fernando witnessed both victories on the same day. An unforgettable Sunday for Spain, indeed!

Fernando Alonso also enjoyed watching his country dominate the world of soccer

However, who can forget Spain’s fourth title at the UEFA Euros 2o24? Surely, Fernando Alonso hasn’t missed out on the thrill of soccer either! He said his country enjoys soccer equally if not less or more. “It’s only every four years or every two years when there’s the World Cup and, yeah, it was a good match on Sunday. I really enjoyed it,” expressed the 42-year-old. Notably, the Spanish team dominated England from the very first minute.

Even before half-time, it was clear who was going to take the trophy home. However, the second half of the game was more intense than the first 45 minutes. As Nico Williams scored the first goal in the 47th minute, it felt like the deal was done here. England’s fresh substitute Cole Palmer took a stand for his country and scored an equalizer, leading to the chances of another tie-breaker match.

But that was until Mikel Oyarzabal scored the winning goal for Spain in the 86th minute. With this shot, the Spanish team engraved its name in the history of UEFA Euros as the most successful team with four trophies. This series of victories has channeled new energy into Fernando Alonso’s system, and now, he is aiming to win the Hungarian GP on Sunday.

If he succeeds, Fernando will become the oldest driver on the present grid to win a race. Given the current unpredictability of the sport, anything is possible. Alonso’s assumed win would give another moment of joy to the people of his country. Also, this would mark Alonso’s first win in 10 years! So, it isn’t difficult to understand why he is desperate to win.

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