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This weekend, Fernando Alonso will reach a significant milestone with his 400th Grand Prix entry, solidifying his status as the F1 driver with the most race participation. Although Alonso has officially started 396 races, he believes his preparation for several events he didn’t enter warrants recognition, making this weekend's celebration particularly meaningful.
Alonso first stepped into the F1 arena in 2001, racing for the Minardi team at the Australian Grand Prix. His career has seen him navigate through different eras of racing, from the high-revving V10 engines to today’s hybrid power units and the latest ground effect cars. Despite not having won a race in over a decade, he is still regarded as one of the finest drivers in the championship.
While his wins may not match his talent, Alonso's impact on the sport is undeniable. As he approaches this landmark, it’s worth noting which other veterans rank among the most experienced drivers in Formula 1 history.
Top Ten Drivers by Race Entries
1. Fernando Alonso: 400 Race Entries
Alonso debuted with Minardi in 2001 and quickly made a name for himself, winning his first race in 2003 with Renault. His illustrious career has included stints with McLaren, Ferrari, and Aston Martin. Despite taking a two-year break in 2019-2020 to pursue endurance racing, he returned to F1 with renewed vigor, making 2023 another successful year for him.
2. Kimi Räikkönen: 353 Race Entries
Known as "The Iceman," Räikkönen entered F1 in 2001 and quickly became a top contender, winning the championship in 2007 with Ferrari. His unique personality and skill set earned him a loyal fanbase, and he enjoyed a second stint in F1 after a two-year hiatus.
3. Lewis Hamilton: 352 Race Entries
Hamilton is not just one of the most successful drivers in F1 history with seven world championships but also one of its most experienced. His journey began in 2007 with McLaren, and he has since become synonymous with success, amassing over 100 race wins.
4. Rubens Barrichello: 326 Race Entries
Barrichello made his debut in 1993 and became a familiar face in F1, particularly during his time with Ferrari, where he won nine races and consistently challenged for the championship.
5. Jenson Button: 309 Race Entries
Button started his F1 career with Williams in 2000 and found his stride with BAR and Honda. He clinched his world championship in 2009 with Brawn GP and retired after a successful career that spanned 16 years.
6. Michael Schumacher: 308 Race Entries
The legendary Schumacher made a stunning entry into F1 in 1991 and dominated the sport throughout the late 90s and early 2000s, winning seven titles. His incredible talent and work ethic left a lasting legacy.
7. Sebastian Vettel: 300 Race Entries
Vettel rose to fame with Red Bull, winning four consecutive titles from 2010 to 2013. After a successful career with Ferrari, he retired in 2022, leaving behind a rich legacy of achievements.
8. Sergio Pérez: 280 Race Entries
Pérez has become a respected figure in F1, known for his exceptional tire management skills. He has made a name for himself with teams like Force India and Red Bull, where he continues to perform at a high level.
9. Felipe Massa: 272 Race Entries
Massa's journey began in 2002, and he had a memorable career, notably finishing as runner-up in the championship in 2008. He retired in 2017, having raced for top teams like Ferrari and Williams.
10. Daniel Ricciardo: 258 Race Entries
Ricciardo entered F1 in 2011 and quickly made an impact, particularly during his time with Red Bull. Though he has faced challenges in recent years, his racing talent remains evident.
As Fernando Alonso celebrates this remarkable milestone at the Mexico City Grand Prix, his journey exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and passion for racing, inspiring fans and fellow drivers alike.
