Motorsports fans around the world rejoiced on November 26, 2018, when the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson and two-time Formula 1 World Champion Fernando Alonso took part in an unforgettable car swap. The event, dubbed #JJxALO, orchestrated by McLaren on the Bahrain International Circuit, offered a glimpse into the distinct worlds of stock car racing and open-wheel competition.
Jimmie Johnson’s F1 Dream Run
Johnson strapped into Alonso’s McLaren MP4-28, a machine designed for outright speed and precision. The 2013 Formula 1 car, dressed in McLaren’s signature papaya orange, featured intense braking capabilities and cornering speeds far beyond what Johnson had ever experienced. Despite the learning curve, the NASCAR veteran impressed, running within two-tenths of Alonso’s best time in the same car.
Johnson was particularly amused by the lack of a windshield on the F1 car. He remarked “There’s so much air coming over the top of that car that it was literally trying to pull my helmet off.”
Alonso Goes Stock Car Racing
While Johnson soared through the racetrack at breakneck speeds, Alonso stepped into Johnson’s #48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 which was an entirely new challenge for him. The 5.8-liter V8-powered stock car, with roughly 725 horsepower, was a far cry from the precision-built F1 machines he was accustomed to.
His biggest adjustment came from the car’s weight and lack of downforce. Alonso quickly adapted, though, pushing the NASCAR beast around the Bahrain circuit with enthusiasm. He mentioned quite a few times how the car was fun to drive because of how heavy it was and how it lacked grip, causing it to slide around the racecourse.
Both drivers walked away from the experience with a newfound appreciation for each other’s discipline. Alonso acknowledged the raw skill required to control a stock car, while Johnson was amazed at the physical demands of an F1 machine. The swap showed how Johnson and Alonso are both legends who proved why they are among the greatest in their respective sports.
This crossover was about celebrating motorsport in its purest form. The pictures of Johnson and Alonso in each other’s cars remain an iconic reminder of the respect that exists between the best in motorsports. Years later, this car swap remains one of the best showcases of sportsmanship within the racing community.
