Jean Alesi

Jean Robert Alesi (June 11, 1964 - Present): A French racing driver from Avignon, Vaucluse, born Giovanni Roberto Alesi to an Italian family, Alesi competed in Formula One from 1989 to 2001, winning one Grand Prix across 13 seasons with Tyrrell, Ferrari, Benetton, Sauber, Prost, and Jordan. Alesi rose through French motorsport, winning the 1987 French Formula 3 Championship before dominating the 1989 Formula 3000 season, which earned him a Formula One debut with Tyrrell mid-season. His performances impressed immediately, with a stunning drive in the rain at Phoenix and a near-victory at Phoenix where he challenged Ayrton Senna. Ferrari signed Alesi for 1991 to partner Alain Prost, creating enormous expectations for the French-Italian driver at the sport's most prestigious team.

Despite five seasons at Ferrari (1991-1995), Alesi never won a race for the Scuderia, frequently coming agonizingly close but suffering from unreliable cars and team errors. His performances evoked memories of Gilles Villeneuve with his spectacular, committed driving style. Alesi's only Formula One victory came at the 1995 Canadian Grand Prix while driving Ferrari number 27, leading every lap from pole position on what was also his 31st birthday. The emotional victory at Montreal finally delivered on his immense potential, and his tears on the podium reflected years of frustration.

After leaving Ferrari, Alesi joined Benetton for 1996-1997 alongside Michael Schumacher and then Gerhard Berger, achieving consistent podiums but never winning again. He drove for Sauber in 1998-1999, Prost in 2000, and Jordan in 2001, his final Formula One season. Alesi achieved one race win, two pole positions, four fastest laps, and 32 podiums across 201 race starts. Following his Formula One career, Alesi competed in DTM, IndyCar, and various GT championships, continuing to race well into his 50s.

His son Giuliano Alesi and daughter Giulia followed him into motorsport. Known for his emotional, attacking style, his iconic ponytail, and his status as the driver who 'should have won more,' Alesi remains one of Formula One's most popular and respected drivers, representing the passionate, artistic approach to racing that defined an era.