Fernando Alonso hailed as "actual GOAT" after F1 Dutch GP: "Just a machine"

Two-time Formula 1 champion Fernando Alonso has been branded the GOAT (greatest of all time) by fans following a points-paying finish at the Dutch Grand Prix.

After a challenging start to 2026 for Aston Martin, which resulted in four grand prix retirements for Alonso and seven for his team-mate Lance Stroll in the first half of the season, the Silverstone outfit introduced extensive upgrades at the Hungarian and Dutch Grands Prix. 

Alonso picked up his only point before the summer break at the Monaco Grand Prix when several drivers were penalised for speeding in the pitlane. Now, at the first race back after the August shutdown, the Spaniard has collected two points with a ninth-place finish. 

Fans were quick to applaud the 45-year-old. "Honorary Dutch citizenship for Alonso," one fan commented on Reddit, while another added: "As soon as he is given even a slightly competent car, he delivers."

Someone else posted: "P18 to P9 on pure pace (and Verstappen crashing out), finally the AM is something resembling a real car."

Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing

Photo by: Alastair Staley / LAT Images via Getty Images

Several referred to Alonso as the GOAT. "Actual GOAT," one posted, and someone else wrote: "You can’t spell Fernando Alonso without G.O.A and T."

Further reactions included: "He had half a chance of getting 1 point, so he got 2," and "Man, we say it time after time. Alonso is just a machine. Imagine him in a Macca or a Merc. Absolutely insane! I hope he stays for 2 more years and Newey-Honda get their s**t together and give a championship-winning car."

Alonso now sits 19th in the drivers' championship with three points, level on points with 18th-placed Esteban Ocon. He sits ahead of Yuki Tsunoda, who stepped in for Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls at Zandvoort, Lance Stroll, Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, who are all on zero points.