Alonso and Márquez: parallel lives.

“I did it without seeking this reward. Simply, to keep enjoying my passion.”
This was the phrase caught last weekend by DAZN’s cameras, as Marc Márquez was crowned MotoGP World Champion. And, interestingly, this sentence connects with another giant of motorsport, Fernando Alonso, who told Goodwood in 2024: “I breathe F1, I live for F1… I love what I do.”

The Greek writer Plutarch devoted part of his work to drawing parallels between the lives of notable figures of his time, highlighting their similarities and differences. He didn’t compare lives to decide who was better, but to learn from both. The same applies to Alonso and Márquez: this isn’t about statistics, but about two spirits that transcend the racetrack.

In recent days, a curious alignment has taken place that highlights how these two motorsport icons seem to lead, in certain aspects, parallel lives. In the very same week that marked the 20th anniversary of Fernando Alonso’s first world title, Marc Márquez achieved his long-awaited ninth world championship — his seventh in MotoGP — after enduring an endless series of hardships.

Interestingly, as they have both said in several interviews, they admire and respect each other deeply. And although the numbers between these two athletes are very different, to me they share something unique: a boundless passion for the sport they practice.

On one hand, there’s Fernando — the driver who once became the youngest Formula 1 champion, and who, if he were to win a third title, would also become one of the oldest. But beyond the milestones, what defines him is his refusal to give up, despite years spent driving cars that haven’t matched his talent, as he relentlessly chases that elusive third world title and his 33rd F1 victory. It’s also worth remembering that his love for racing has led him in recent years to compete in — and win — legendary events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans (twice), the 24 Hours of Daytona (once), the Indianapolis 500, and even the Dakar Rally.

Marc, for his part, is the youngest ever champion in the premier class, but now also one of its oldest title holders. This latest crown, earned last Sunday, came after a grueling six-year ordeal of injuries that kept him from fighting at the front in MotoGP. In doing so, he has proven not only his unmatched talent but also his resilience and love for motorcycling — even putting his health and safety on the line on more than one occasion.

Ultimately, neither of them strives to be anything more than “just” racers: men who love their sport and fight, race after race, to surpass themselves. Everything else lies outside what they see through their visors.

For all these reasons, they are true role models to me. Fernando Alonso, for his never-give-up spirit and his determination to rise above bad luck and subpar machinery; and Marc Márquez, for taming wild bikes, enduring suffering only he truly knows, and finding light at the end of the tunnel even in the darkest times.

Both of them continue to enjoy the sports they fell in love with as children, offering those of us watching from the sofa powerful examples of resilience and determination. That’s why, even though I know they’ll never read these lines, I want to dedicate this article to both of them and thank them for inspiring millions of people like me through their example.

Both were counted out, yet both kept — and keep — fighting. They deserve it. Marc’s desert crossing ended last weekend. Hopefully Fernando’s will end next year. Because when you fall, you get back up.

Luis Díaz Urbistondo — Montdebó Founder