Fernando Alonso's 2019 season in Formula 1 was defined by his deliberate absence from the grid, a hiatus he announced at the conclusion of the 2018 championship. This marked a significant pivot for a driver who had been a constant presence in the sport since 2001, reflecting his growing dissatisfaction with the competitive landscape of the V6 turbo-hybrid era and his ambition to achieve the Triple Crown of motorsport.
Going in
Alonso entered 2019 having completed his final season with McLaren in 2018, a period largely characterized by uncompetitive machinery. His decision to step away from Formula 1 was not a retirement in the traditional sense, but rather a strategic sabbatical to pursue other racing endeavors, most notably the Indianapolis 500 and the remainder of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Super Season. He had openly expressed frustration with the predictability of F1 during the dominant Mercedes era, seeking challenges where he felt he could genuinely compete for victories. His previous F1 seasons, particularly the challenging years with McLaren-Honda, as seen in Fernando Alonso — 2014 season and Fernando Alonso — 2015 season, had highlighted his desire for a more level playing field.
How it played out
For the first time since his debut, Alonso was not a participant in any Formula 1 Grand Prix during 2019. The F1 paddock continued without the two-time world champion, as drivers like George Russell — 2025 season began to establish themselves. Instead, Alonso focused on his WEC commitments with Toyota Gazoo Racing, where he, alongside teammates Sébastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima, secured the 2018-19 FIA World Endurance Championship title. This included a victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the second consecutive year. His other major focus was the Indianapolis 500, a crucial step towards completing the Triple Crown. However, his attempt with McLaren Racing proved unsuccessful, as he failed to qualify for the race, a significant setback that underscored the unique challenges of that event.