As Christmas approaches, Fernando Alonso, one of the most talented drivers in Formula 1 history, got behind the wheel of the McLaren-Honda MP4/5B, the very car that brought Ayrton Senna to glory in 1990.
On the Motorland Aragon circuit in Spain, Alonso recreated a pure moment of history under a bright sun. And if that wasn’t enough, his father, José Luis Alonso, was also present to share this unforgettable experience. But what lies behind this extraordinary day? Here’s the story.
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A unique reunion with a Formula 1 icon
Thanks to Zak Brown, president of McLaren and a renowned collector of historic cars, Alonso had the chance to relive Senna’s achievements. The MP4/5B, iconic with its red and white livery, was the centerpiece of a day that was far from ordinary. Brown, known for lending his prized cars to friends and colleagues, gave Alonso and his father a true leap back in time. But this wasn’t just an ordinary track day. Alonso and his father donned Senna’s original racing suits, making the tribute even more emotional. Social media posts from this intimate moment show a young Alonso in a red-and-white McLaren-inspired kart, juxtaposed with today’s Alonso, kneeling beside his father and the legendary race car. It was a full-circle moment for the Spaniard, who grew up idolizing the Brazilian driver.
The McLaren MP4/5B: An immortal F1 car
Let’s dive into the history of this legendary car. Designed in 1990, the MP4/5B is powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V10 Honda engine producing 690 horsepower. A true racing beast that made its mark in F1 history with six wins—all achieved by Senna—and twelve poles, showcasing its incredible dominance. It’s not just about performance: this car represents an era when drivers had to truly connect with their machines, with no electronic aids. For Alonso, taking the wheel of this masterpiece wasn’t just a privilege—it was a way to feel the unique bond Ayrton had with the car. It’s no coincidence that Alonso has considered Senna an inspiration since his early days, as he mentioned in a 2017 interview: “He made us dream of becoming drivers just by watching him.”
A day of gratitude and legacy for Alonso
Beyond the technical achievement and symbolism, this day was also a way for Fernando Alonso to honor his father. José Luis supported him from his karting days, long before Alonso became a two-time world champion. On Instagram, Fernando shared a heartfelt message: “It’s impossible to thank my parents enough for everything they’ve given me.” As for Zak Brown, he also cherished this moment. He shared a commemorative photo with Alonso and the MP4/5B, emphasizing the importance of preserving and sharing these memories with new generations as well as with those who have shaped McLaren’s history.
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This article explores the extraordinary day when Fernando Alonso drove Ayrton Senna’s McLaren MP4/5B, reliving a significant chapter of Formula 1. Between tribute, nostalgia, and passion for racing, this moment symbolizes the timeless connection between Formula 1 legends and today’s generations.
