The 43-year-old will be the first to race 400 GPs but fearsome ambition has proved both asset and drawback

Fernando Alonso may not be in the title fight, indeed he will almost certainly not even be in the mix for a win at this weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix, but the Spaniard will be making Formula One history nonetheless. The meeting will be his 400th, no driver has more, and behind them lies the story of an engrossing career. Of exceptional talent and success and of promise lost for a driver who has always been nothing but compelling.

The Spaniard is now 43 and this season at Aston Martin will be his 21st in F1 since he made his debut for Minardi in 2001. He has taken 32 wins and two world championships in 2005 and 2006 and while he has come close since he has never secured another. When asked about reaching his 400th race Alonso’s response said it all about what really mattered.