Fernando Alonso, the two-time Formula 1 world champion, found himself in the spotlight once again—but this time, it wasn’t because of another exclusive supercar. Residents of Monaco and tourists alike were surprised to spot the famous Spaniard behind the wheel of a humble Toyota Yaris. This choice is a stark contrast to the image of a racer typically associated with luxury and speed.
In recent years, Alonso has often flaunted his passion for rare and expensive cars. His collection features not just iconic models from Aston Martin, Ferrari, and Mercedes, but also unique automobiles, some valued at several million euros. This time, however, the driver decided to surprise everyone by cruising the streets of the principality in a hybrid city car costing less than 22,000 euros.
A collection of contrasts
In December, Alonso was seen multiple times in public driving his favorite sports cars. His garage houses both the powerful Aston Martin DBX S, the exclusive Valiant, and even the ultra-rare Ferrari LaFerrari. But it was the Toyota Yaris that truly astonished fans and car enthusiasts. Such a choice seems unexpected, especially given the driver’s recent appearances in hypercars rarely seen on the road.
Many were certain that Alonso would never get behind the wheel of such an “ordinary” car. Yet his decision proves that even the stars of world motorsport sometimes choose practicality and comfort over prestige and power. Moreover, Toyota and Alonso share a long history of collaboration—the Spaniard competed for the Japanese team in endurance races and rally raids.
A Hybrid for the City
The choice of the Toyota Yaris is no coincidence. This compact hybrid is ideally suited for the narrow and busy streets of Monaco. The car features a 1.5-liter petrol engine paired with an electric motor, delivering up to 120 horsepower. It accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in under 10 seconds, with a top speed of 175 km/h—impressive numbers for an urban vehicle.
The license plate also drew special attention: it bears the iconic number ’14,’ long recognized as Alonso’s trademark. The silver Yaris instantly stands out among the luxury sports cars that fill Monaco and brings smiles to passersby. It seems the driver is not afraid to experiment with his image and show that comfort and eco-friendliness can be just as important as speed.
Accessible Luxury
Unlike most of the cars in Alonso’s collection, the Toyota Yaris is one of the most affordable options. Its starting price is €21,900, making it a realistic choice for many motorsport fans. At the same time, it matches its competitors in trim quality and equipment: sporty design elements, modern technology, and fuel efficiency make it an attractive option for everyday use.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Alonso has chosen a Yaris for a public appearance. Several years ago, he tested the sporty GR version on the Estoril track, showing that even compact cars can offer driving pleasure. This time, instead of chasing records, the driver simply chose to enjoy a relaxed drive around his favorite city.
A fresh perspective on the familiar
Alonso’s move sparked a flurry of discussion on social media. Some see it as a challenge to stereotypes about racing drivers’ lifestyles, others view it as simple convenience and practicality. In any case, seeing a world champion behind the wheel of a hybrid Yaris was a standout event in Monaco and a reason to reflect: perhaps luxury isn’t always about the price tag, but more about one’s choices and approach to life.
With time still remaining before the new Formula 1 season begins, Alonso continues to surprise fans with his unexpected decisions. Who knows which car he’ll pick for his next drive along the principality’s promenade?
RUSSPAIN reminds readers that Fernando Alonso is one of Spain’s most decorated racing drivers, a two-time Formula 1 world champion, endurance racing winner, and rally raid participant. Throughout his career, he has competed for leading teams including Renault, Ferrari, McLaren, and Aston Martin, and has also worked with Toyota in various racing series. Alonso is known not only for his sporting achievements, but also for his passion for cars, as proven by his impressive collection of vehicles across all classes.
