Jean Alesi

Lore & Background

Born and raised in Avignon, Alesi started karting aged 16 with a desire to eventually compete in rallying. He progressed to open-wheel racing at the age of twenty, winning the French Formula Three Championship in 1987 and graduating to International Formula 3000. His subsequent title with Jordan in 1989 led to a Formula One drive with Tyrrell, replacing Michele Alboreto from the 1989 French Grand Prix onwards, where he finished fourth. Alesi scored his maiden podium at the opening round of the 1990 season, repeating this feat in Monaco. He signed for Ferrari in 1991 to partner Alain Prost, scoring several podiums across five seasons before taking his sole victory at the Canadian Grand Prix in 1995. He left at the end of the season after twice finishing fifth in the standings, swapping seats with Michael Schumacher in 1996 to join Benetton, where he scored thirteen podiums across two seasons. He spent a further two seasons with Sauber—scoring his only podium for the team at the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix—before joining Prost. He remained at Prost until 2001, when he joined Jordan from the Hungarian Grand Prix onwards and retired at the conclusion of the season. During his time in Formula One, Alesi was noted for his ability in wet weather, as well as being a mercurial and passionate racer. Alesi holds the joint-record for most podium finishes before first win (fifteen). After leaving Formula One, Alesi raced full-time in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters from 2002 to 2006, winning several races. Alesi then competed in the all-star Speedcar Series in both of its seasons, as well as entering the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2010 and the Indianapolis 500 in 2012, before retiring from motor racing in 2012. Since 2013, he has been an ambassador for Pirelli. Alesi was appointed a Knight of the Legion of Honour in 2006.

In Their Own Story

The roar of the V10 engine echoed through the narrow streets of Monaco as Jean Alesi leaned into the hairpin, tires smoking slightly against the asphalt. The crowd's chant was a deafening wave behind him, a reminder that this race was not just about points, but pride. He felt the car's vibration in his hands, a familiar companion through years of battles at Imola and Silverstone. In that moment, under the bright Mediterranean sun, he wasn't just driving; he was carrying the hopes of a nation.

Reader's Guide

Alesi's Formula One career spanned from 1989 to 2001. He debuted with Tyrrell at the 1989 French Grand Prix, finishing fourth. His first full season was 1990, where he led the United States Grand Prix and finished second, and also finished second at Monaco. He moved to Ferrari in 1991, scoring podiums but no wins until his sole victory at the 1995 Canadian Grand Prix. After Ferrari, he joined Benetton for 1996–1997, scoring thirteen podiums. He then drove for Sauber (1998–1999), scoring a podium at the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix, followed by Prost (2000–2001) and Jordan (from the 2001 Hungarian Grand Prix onward), retiring at the end of 2001. Alesi was noted for his wet-weather ability and passionate driving style.

Did You Know?

• Alesi won only one Grand Prix in his career, the 1995 Canadian Grand Prix with Ferrari.
• He holds the joint-record for most podium finishes before his first win, with fifteen.
• Alesi was appointed a Knight of the Legion of Honour in 2006.
• He started karting at age 16, initially wanting to compete in rallying.