Tracing back the origin of Fernando Alonso’s ‘El Plan’
Fernando Alonso's return has been highlighted by the popular meme, 'El Plan.' We take a look to find out this phrase's beginnings.
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Fernando Alonso has become synonymous with the phrase 'El Plan'
Fernando Alonso is a Formula 1 veteran. Alonso is the most experienced driver in F1 history, having 311 race starts under his belt. Despite being the oldest driver on the grid, Fernando still has the hunger for his third world title. A clear indication for this is the ‘El Plan’ meme. A phrase which is seen often on social media as well as on T-shirts and merchandize.
This phrase is Spanish for ‘The Plan.’ Fernando Alonso first mentioned these famous words after bringing home his Alpine in P5 at the 2021 Turkish Grand Prix. When asked about it by the media, Alonso solely stated:
"El Plan… you have to wait a few months to know it. You need to believe in el plan for now.
Alonso’s answer was speculated as a way of stating ‘El Plan’ to be the Spaniard’s target of winning another F1 world championship. However, Fernando Alonso himself mentioned it to be a creation of social media. The 41-year-old had faith in ‘El Plan’ but was not completely certain of its specifics. Alonso continued, “It’s a bad thing to say, but I don’t know what ‘El Plan’ is.”
Fernando Alonso is set for a new ‘El Plan’ in 2023
Fernando Alonso had mentioned ‘El Plan’s’ connection with Alpine, as the pair looked to achieve success. Alpine also ran an ‘El Plan’ branded rear wing during the 2021 season finale in Abu Dhabi. However, those midway through 2022, this phrase’s meaning changed. As Alonso jumped shifts to the Aston Martin F1 team. Yet, this has not stopped the ‘El Plan’ meme with even US basketball star Santi Aldama joining in.
Fernando Alonso had previously stated, “You know the plan maybe is not only for 2022 it has to keep going longer.” Fernando’s statement might have seemed to be a light-hearted take on the meme at that time. But with the Spaniard’s new challenge in 2023, this seems to open up an even bigger picture. Many have even considered Alonso’s switch to Aston Martin as part of The Plan.
Whatever might be the case, Fernando Alonso is striving for his third F1 title. Alonso will join the ambitious British squad next season, with the objective of fighting for the championship in a couple of years. ‘El Plan’ may have started as a meme online, yet now it appears to be a part of Formula 1. The Plan is for Fernando to reclaim the world championship for the first time since 2006.
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Armaan Agarwal
(2332 Articles Published)