As we wait for the Malaysian GP, let us turn back the clock to September 25th, 2005. This date is fondly remembered by one Fernando Alonso. Just to jog your memory, it was the day that a 24-year old Alonso clinched his first world championship. With this, he became the youngest world champion in Formula One. That was until a certain Lewis Hamilton came along, but that’s a story for another day.
Race Recap
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Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen were the only ones fighting for the title. The Spaniard needed to get a podium to win the championship. Going into the race, Alonso qualified on pole position with teammate Giancarlo Fisichella in 3rd and McLaren’s Juan Pablo Montoya splitting the two Renaults. Raikkonen started 5th behind Jenson Button’s BAR Honda.
By the time 71 laps ended, both McLaren Mercedes had leap-frogged Alonso to record a 1-2. The Colombian, Montoya took his final win of his career while Raikkonen finished 2nd. Fernando Alonso did enough to finish 3rd and take 6 precious points to win the championship. Meanwhile, Fisichella could only manage 5th behind Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari. Aged 24-years and 59 days, Alonso claimed his maiden championship and became the youngest world champion.
Post-race Thoughts
Alonso said “The final laps seemed to take for ever. It took a while for it to sink in once I came to a stop. I won the championship with maybe not the best car, so I am proud of what I did. The fact that I have taken over the title from Michael Schumacher is a bonus. I came from a country with no tradition in F1 and I had to fight my way alone. I have only had the help of two or three people in my career, no more.”
Alonso wasted no time in gunning for his 2nd title the following year. But since then, he has had a dry run. Now, one has to wonder ‘Can his reunion with Renault bring him his 3rd?’