Picture Credit: Twitter
Fernando Alonso, the two-time Formula One world champion, will wear a helmet with a special design for the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix 2023. The Aston Martin driver will wear a helmet inspired by the traditional samurai armor worn by Japanese warriors in feudal times.
The Japan GP is known for having funky and creative helmets, as Yuki Tsunoda wore a helmet with a cherry blossom tree pattern and a koi around the number 22 at last year’s race. Meanwhile, Valtteri Bottas sported a special navy blue helmet with Japanese icons all around, while Vettel wore a helmet with a unique thank you message on it in tribute to Arai.
This year, Alonso will pay additional homage to Japan's culture and heritage with a special helmet livery dedicated to the Land of the Rising Sun. The Spanish driver also has a tattoo of the same samurai running down his back, which inspires him. The design of the tattoo is reportedly influenced by the Hagakure, a spiritual guide penned by Yamamoto Tsunetomo, a revered 18th-century samurai.
Talking about Alonso’s performance in 2023, he started the season strongly, securing five podium finishes in the first six races. He has added just two more in his next nine outings, before dropping down to 15the place at the recently concluded Singapore Grand Prix 2023.
