Speaking on DAZN’s 'Bravissimo' show, the Italian manager — who returned to Formula 1 with Alpine last year — said: “A driver like him should have won six or eight world championships, because he always made the difference within his team. In life, there are ten or fifteen things you remember forever. Bravo, bravo, bravo. Bravo Fernando.”

The Spaniard burst onto the scene early in his Formula 1 career, shattering the Schumacher–Ferrari dominance and clinching back-to-back world titles in 2005 and 2006 — titles that would ultimately prove to be the last of his career.

After his glorious spell with Renault, Alonso came agonisingly close to securing a third straight title at McLaren, only to be denied — along with Lewis Hamilton — in a dramatic, last-gasp showdown that ultimately went Kimi Räikkönen’s way.

A disappointing return to Enstone followed, prompting the Spaniard to seek fresh fortunes at Ferrari, where he again came within touching distance of the crown in both 2010 and 2012, only to watch someone else lift the trophy on each occasion.

From 2015 onwards, results-wise, it became something of a slog. His McLaren reunion between 2015 and 2018 failed to deliver fireworks for either side, while his two-year stint at Alpine from 2021 to 2022 — and the past three seasons with Aston Martin — have offered flashes of his trademark brilliance, but never with a car truly capable of fighting for the title.

With the rest of the grid enjoying some downtime, the Spaniard is taking full advantage of the winter break as he gears up for what will be his 23rd Formula 1 season.

The two-time world champion spent a relaxed Sunday away from the spotlight, heading out for a countryside escape with his partner, Melissa Jimenez, whom he has been dating since 2023, as the countdown continues to F1’s return in just under a month at Barcelona.

Alongside a snapshot with his partner, Fernando Alonso also gave fans a closer look at his Aston Martin Valiant — one of the brand’s flagship road cars.