“Crofty is going to be absolutely flabbergasted” – Fans react as Fernando Alonso pays tribute to his mother by adding her maiden name Diaz to his F1 entry
Follow Us
Fernando Alonso adds mother's maiden name Diaz to his official entry name
Fernando Alonso is a two-time Formula 1 world champion. The Spanish driver is the most experienced competitor on the grid, making his debut with Minardi in 2001. Alonso is 41 years old, yet he has proven to out-race several younger rivals in the sport, a testament to the Spaniard’s fitness. As Nando continues to prove to the world that age is just a number. Heading into 2023, Fernando has not lost out on the hunger to win as he joins the Aston Martin F1 team for a new challenge.
For the 2023 F1 season, Fernando Alonso has decided to give a symbol of respect to his mother, Ana Maria Diaz Martinez. Fernando will be taking up Ana’s maiden name, Diaz next season, resulting in his official entry being Fernando Alonso Diaz. This might come as a surprise as the Spaniard changes his name despite being at such a later stage of his career. But it truly is a moving gesture. After all, it would be great to witness the Formula 1 coverage displaying the full name on our screens next season.
Alonso will not be the only driver paying a tribute to his maternal family. Red Bull driver, Sergio Perez has included the Mendoza name in his official F1 entries for years, paying homage to his mother Marilú Mendoza de Pérez. Lewis Hamilton previously had also changed his name to Lewis Hamilton Larbalestier in respect of his mother Carmen Larbalestier. Albeit this change has not been reflected in the entry list. Undoubtedly Alonso Diaz is a welcome change to the sport.
Also Read: What does “black magic” mean in F1 and how it practically cost Lewis Hamilton the championship?
Fans excited to see Fernando Alonso ‘Diaz’ on the F1 grid
As this news was posted on Reddit, fans welcomed the new addition to Fernando Alonso‘s official F1 name. One fan mentioned this to be a challenge for commentator David Croft. Thus David will be tasked to say the whole name every time Fernando is on screen. The fan consequently stated, “Crofty is going to be absolutely flabbergasted.” While another user took a pun on Alonso’s age and said, “Can’t wait to see the new rookie Diaz that Aston has managed to sign.”
Additionally, some users brought light to this being the custom in many Spanish-speaking countries. Where both the mother’s and father’s names are given to the child. One fan commented, “That’s the custom in Spanish-speaking languages, nothing out of the ordinary.” On the other hand, a few users were quick to speculate this to be a way for Fernando Alonso to outdo Lewis Hamilton. As Lewis had previously added his mother’s maiden name. One fan replied, “he did it because of Hamilton.”
It will be great to see Fernando Alonso Diaz on the timing sheets next year. As the Spaniard bids tribute to his mother who has supported him throughout his long-drawn F1 career. Of course, it is also a great example of respecting women in one’s life even after so many years. Fernando’s tweak to his entry name might seem small on the surface but its impact could be felt by millions of women and men and is a true mark of equality. We certainly respect the Spanish driver’s decision.
Stay Updated!
Armaan Agarwal
(2313 Articles Published)