Jean Alesi was one of the most popular and charismatic Formula 1 drivers of the 1990s. With his aggressive driving style, passion for racing, and outspoken personality, Alesi captured the hearts of fans worldwide during his 13-year F1 career.
Early Racing Career
Jean Alesi was born in 1964 in Avignon, France. He developed a love for racing at a young age thanks to his father, who was an amateur racer and rally driver. Alesi started karting when he was 16 years old before progressing to French Renault championships in 1983. He won the French Formula 3 title in 1987 and then competed in International Formula 3000 in 1988-89, clinching the championship in his second season.
Alesi’s aggressive and spectacular driving style was evident even in the junior categories. His fearless overtaking maneuvers and ability to handle a car at its limit gained him many admirers early on. Alesi’s natural talent marked him as a rising talent to watch.
Formula 1 Debut with Tyrrell
Alesi made his Formula 1 debut midway through the 1989 season, replacing Michele Alboreto at Tyrrell. In just his second race at the Phoenix Grand Prix, he stunned the F1 world by battling the legendary Ayrton Senna wheel-to-wheel and even leading the McLaren driver for several laps. Alesi eventually finished second in what was an incredible drive in the underpowered Tyrrell.
Over the next two seasons with Tyrrell, Alesi continued to impress. He took two more podium finishes and established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in Formula 1. His aggressive and flamboyant driving style earned him comparisons to the late Gilles Villeneuve, much to the delight of Formula 1 fans.
The Ferrari Years
For 1991, Jean Alesi signed with Ferrari alongside reigning world champion Alain Prost. Moving to the iconic Italian squad was a dream for Alesi as a lifelong Ferrari fan. However, the ensuing five years with the Scuderia failed to yield the success he had hoped for. Despite clearly demonstrating his abilities behind the wheel, Alesi won only once for Ferrari at the 1995 Canadian Grand Prix.
The Ferraris Alesi drove were rarely competitive enough to challenge at the front. Between numerous mechanical failures and simple bad luck, podium finishes were all too rare over this period. Off track politics and team orders also hampered Alesi’s progress at times. Nonetheless, he remained immensely popular with the Ferrari tifosi thanks to his aggressive driving and determination to push the car to its limits.
Chasing the Title at Benetton
For 1996-97, Jean Alesi joined the Benetton team that Michael Schumacher had just guided to two world championship titles. Finally armed with competitive machinery once more, there were high hopes that Alesi could fight for the world championship.
While victory remained elusive, the Benetton period did see Alesi take eight more podium finishes. He placed a career-best 4th in the championship in 1996-97. However, tensions within the team and stifled creativity ultimately led to frustration setting in once more for the passionate French-Sicilian.
Later Career and Retirement
After leaving Benetton, Alesi spent four seasons driving for Sauber and Prost before finishing his Formula 1 career with Jordan in 2001. There were occasional flashes of brilliance during his later career such as front row starts and podium finishes. But without a properly competitive car, wins and titles remained just out of reach for Alesi.
Jean Alesi started 201 Formula 1 Grands Prix in total with 32 podium finishes and one victory to his name. He scored points in 70 races over 13 seasons. Following his retirement from F1 in 2001, he spent five seasons racing in the DTM German Touring Car Championship before hanging up his helmet for good in 2006.
Driving Style and Personality
A bold and aggressive driver, Jean Alesi quickly won a reputation for his spectacular maneuvers in Formula 1. His incredible car control, raw pace, and willingness to take risks saw him pull off audacious passing moves. Rain or shine, Alesi drove on the limit – much to the delight of fans.
Emotional, passionate and outspoken, Alesi wore his heart on his sleeve both on and off the track. His passionate Italian spirit coupled with his French roots made him a favorite amongst fans for his charming character. Rarely one to mince words or shy away from criticism, Alesi called it like he saw it regardless of the consequences.
This candor and honesty only further endeared him to Formula 1 devotees. His vibrant personality and natural charisma continue to win him admiration from racing fans worldwide.
Legacy and Influence
Despite only winning once in Formula 1, Jean Alesi’s influence and legacy stretch far beyond just results. His aggressive flamboyant driving style, raw talent, and fearless attitude influenced many drivers who followed later on.
The recent emergence of a new generation of aggressive racers demonstrates that Alesi’s style lives on today. What’s more, Alesi inspired passion in French motorsports again creating a wave of enthusiastic French racers behind him like Olivier Panis, Franck Montagny and more recently Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon.
While Alesi’s F1 successes were fewer than his talent merited, his passion and panache cemented his place as a fan favorite. Today he remains one of the most beloved Formula 1 drivers of all time – both for his driving and his vibrant character.
Where is Jean Alesi Now?
Since retiring from racing, Alesi has remained involved in motorsports through racing driver mentorship programs and as a brand ambassador. He has worked with Lotus F1 as an ambassador and also helped mentor junior drivers coming up through the ranks.
Away from racing, Alesi owns a vineyard called ‘Du Clos Jean Alesi’ close to his hometown of Avignon where he produces his own wines. He continues to attend a few Grand Prix races each season and also enjoys playing football in his spare time.
Jean Alesi captivated Formula 1 fans for over a decade with his flamboyant aggressive driving and outgoing personality. Though he may not have achieved all he desired in F1, his passion and influence on future racers cement his legacy as one of racing’s most beloved drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Formula 1 races did Jean Alesi start?
Jean Alesi started 201 Formula 1 Grand Prix races during his 13-year F1 career from 1989 to 2001.
How many race wins did Alesi have in F1?
Alesi won only one Formula 1 race which was the 1995 Canadian Grand Prix driving for Ferrari. This is despite finishing on the podium 32 times over his career.
When did Jean Alesi retire from Formula 1?
Alesi retired from Formula 1 racing at the end of the 2001 season after contesting the final 5 races of that year with Jordan Grand Prix.
What is Jean Alesi doing now?
Since retiring from professional racing in 2006, Alesi has served as a racing driver mentor and ambassador for companies like Lotus F1. He also owns and operates a vineyard near his hometown of Avignon, France where he produces wines.