This season, there are two Spaniards on the grid for the Spanish GP, Fernando Alonso of Alpine and Carlos Sainz of Ferrari.
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One of the most historic races on a Formula One calendar is the Spanish Grand Prix. The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has been a part of the sport for quite a number of years and it has seen its fair share of moments. However, there have not been that many natives who have commanded the respect and admiration of the fans in Spain. Sure, there have been many drivers in the past who have shined on the track for quite a number of years, but not many have been Spanish. This season, there are two Spaniards on the grid, Fernando Alonso of Alpine and Carlos Sainz of Ferrari. A home race for both, they will be expecting to live up to the fans’ expectations. However, before it all goes down in Spain, here is a look at some of the best F1 drivers to have ever come out of the country.
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There is absolutely no question that Fernando Alonso is the greatest F1 driver Spain has ever produced. His two world championship wins, 32 race wins, and 98 podiums do not really do justice to the veteran’s skill and execution. Alonso was the one who broke Michael Schumacher’s blitz of world championship wins in 2005 with Renault and even defended his crown the following year. Fearless and clam, there is no challenge Fernando has backed away from and although he is not challenging for a world title anymore, the Spaniard is well respected among his peers and fans and is also considered as one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time.
27-year-old Carlos Sainz is in the middle of his F1 career and although he is yet to win a world championship, he is one of the best drivers there is today. Sainz is a part of Scuderia Ferrari at the moment alongside Charles Leclerc. He is yet to stand on the top step of the podium, despite being on it eight times in the past, but the way he has started 2022, this might very well be the year. The Spaniard quickly emerged as a home favourite, especially during his time at McLaren. With the red of Ferrari draped over his shoulders, fans at home will certainly expect a podium finish on Sunday.
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Pedro de la Rosa has had an on/off career in Formula One. His first experience in the sport came in 2001 when he teamed up with Eddie Irvine for Jaguar. It was, however, not a season the Spaniard would want to remember. The following year, de la Rosa joined McLaren as a test driver and would be there for seven years. He first raced in the car in 2005 when Juan Pablo Montoya was injured and the Spaniard managed to finish P5 and also get the fastest lap. In 2006, de la Rosa stepped up after Montoya left the team and at the Hungarian GP, the Spaniard earned his only podium, finishing P2 after teammate Kimi Raikkonen crashed.
