Fernando Alonso's 2019 season in Formula 1 was defined by his absence from the grid, marking a sabbatical from the sport to pursue other high-profile racing ventures.
Going in
Alonso concluded his Formula 1 tenure with McLaren at the close of 2018, having spent four challenging seasons with the team during the V6 turbo-hybrid era. His final years in F1, particularly from Fernando Alonso — 2014 season onwards, were characterized by a lack of competitive machinery, a stark contrast to his earlier championship-winning campaigns. This period saw him increasingly vocal about the limitations of the McLaren-Honda and later McLaren-Renault packages, culminating in his decision to step away from the sport. His declared ambition was to achieve motorsport's elusive Triple Crown, which required a victory at the Indianapolis 500 to complement his Monaco Grand Prix wins and 24 Hours of Le Mans success. This pursuit, alongside his commitments in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), became the focal point of his 2019 racing calendar.
How it played out
For Fernando Alonso, 2019 was a year spent outside the Formula 1 paddock. He did not participate in any F1 Grand Prix events. Instead, his primary focus was the conclusion of the 2018-19 FIA World Endurance Championship Super Season with Toyota Gazoo Racing, where he shared the #8 TS050 Hybrid with Sébastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima. This WEC campaign culminated in a dominant victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June 2019, securing the overall WEC Drivers' Championship title for the trio. Parallel to his WEC commitments, Alonso made a highly anticipated return to the Indianapolis 500 in May, again with McLaren, aiming to complete the Triple Crown. This second attempt, however, proved challenging. The McLaren entry struggled significantly, failing to qualify for the race, a notable setback that highlighted the complexities of the event. While not on the F1 grid, Alonso's activities kept him firmly in the global motorsport spotlight, demonstrating his versatility and relentless competitive drive across different disciplines.
Defining moments
The most significant moment for Alonso in 2019 was undoubtedly his second consecutive victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which sealed the FIA World Endurance Drivers' Championship. This achievement underscored his prowess in endurance racing and added another major title to his illustrious career. The contrast came just weeks earlier at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. His attempt to qualify for the Indy 500 with McLaren was a defining low point. Despite the team's significant resources, the car lacked pace, and Alonso was ultimately bumped from the field during the Last Row Shootout. This failure to qualify was a stark reminder of the unique challenges and unforgiving nature of the Indy 500, even for a driver of Alonso's caliber. For broader context on F1's structure and history, the Wikipedia: Formula One entry provides a comprehensive overview of the sport he stepped away from.
What it meant
Fernando Alonso's 2019 sabbatical from Formula 1 demonstrated a deliberate shift in his career priorities, emphasizing a broader motorsport legacy beyond F1. His success in WEC, particularly the Le Mans victory and championship, solidified his reputation as one of motorsport's most complete drivers. The Indy 500 setback, while disappointing, did not diminish his ambition but rather highlighted the difficulty of the Triple Crown challenge. This year away from F1 allowed him to recharge and gain new perspectives, ultimately paving the way for his return to the sport in 2021. His journey provides an interesting contrast to drivers like George Russell — 2025 season, who would be navigating the intense F1 calendar during their prime. Alonso's break also coincided with a period of continued Mercedes dominance in F1, which he had experienced firsthand in the preceding years. The decision to step away, then return, showcased a unique career path, one that continues to evolve even into later stages, as seen with drivers like Andrea Kimi Antonelli — 2025 season entering the sport. For a detailed look at the current state of F1, the Formula 1 — official site offers comprehensive coverage. While he was not on the F1 grid, his activities resonated throughout the racing world, underscoring his enduring status as a motorsport icon. For those interested in historical F1 data, resources like Jolpica/Ergast — F1 data provide extensive archives.