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Formula 1 drivers are not strangers to tragedy. Michael Schumacher, Jochen Rindt, and Jules Bianchi are just a few names that pop straight into our heads. That being said, there have been a few lucky escapes, too. On the eve of the 2021 Formula 1 season, the entire F1 community was up in raptures, preparing for the comeback of the great Fernando Alonso. He’d just signed for Alpine, formerly Renault, the team that had given him his 2 world championships in 2005 and 2006. It looked like a fairytale comeback, but a dark twist was lurking right around the corner.

Just before the season was due to begin, Alonso was prepping for his comeback in Switzerland. However, on the 11th of February, 2021, he was involved in a horrific cycling accident when he was hit by a car.

via Reuters

Alpine had released the following statement, “Following the cycling accident yesterday Fernando Alonso was kept under observation in hospital. Medics discovered a fracture in his upper jaw and conducted a successful corrective operation. The attending medical team are happy with the progress.”

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However, all throughout this ordeal, Alonso had his no. 1 supporter by his side. The Sun reported, “His Italian model girlfriend has reportedly been keeping relatives updated on his condition via WhatsApp.” The couple split up in 2021 after being together since 2016. Rumors have been abound that the duo split after Alonso sold a stake in their joint-venture Kimoa in early 2021

Read More: Aston Martin Gear Up to Jump F1 Ladder in 2023 Revealing Detailed Game Plan

Luckily for Alonso and us, the Spaniard made it through and the rest is as we say history. In 2021, he also came onto the podium again with Alpine. But as all good things are, they come to an end. And now he embarks on a new chapter in his storied F1 career with Aston Martin.

Fernando Alonso might just be the missing piece of the jigsaw for Aston Martin

Alonso’s reputation in the sport is rock solid. There’s no doubt about that. However, it is also a fact that he has arguably never really attainted what his potential demanded in the sport. That being said, it also seems like Aston Martin and Fernando Alonso don’t go along that well. Given both their circumstances currently. However, ex-Renault man Pat Symonds disagrees.

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The man who was influential in Alonso’s two championships had this to say about the Spaniard at the Autosport International show, “If you put him in the right car, I’m damn sure he could still win races. He has fabulous ability and you’ve got to remember, yes, he’s ‘only’ won the world championship twice, but he’s finished second a lot.”

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WATCH THIS STORY: Rare 12-year-old image of Aston Martin’s 2023 Lineup

Well, it would appear that Fernando Alonso has what he needs to win. But can Aston Martin provide him with the winning machinery to lead him to an elusive 3rd title?