Jean Alesi

French Formula 1 driver known for his passionate driving style and emotional connection with fans, winning the 1995 Canadian Grand Prix for Ferrari.

Giovanni Roberto "Jean" Alesi was born on 11 June 1964 in Avignon, France, to Sicilian parents — his father, Franco, from Alcamo, and his mother from Riesi — who managed an automotive bodywork repair shop where young Jean developed his early fascination with cars. He grew up speaking both French and Italian at home, though his Sicilian grandparents spoke no French at all. Alesi initially dreamed of becoming a rally driver, inspired by his father's amateur rallying and hillclimb exploits, before taking up karting at 16 and winning the French Formula Three title in 1987. He won the International Formula 3000 championship in 1989 on a tiebreaker with rival Érik Comas, and made his Formula One debut that year with Tyrrell, finishing an impressive fourth at his home French Grand Prix. Alesi became known as one of the fastest and most passionate drivers of his generation, though his sole Grand Prix victory came at the 1995 Canadian Grand Prix while driving for Ferrari, a result that belied the talent widely recognised throughout the paddock across a 13-year Formula One career spanning Tyrrell, Ferrari, Benetton, Sauber, Prost, and Jordan. Alesi was appointed a Knight of the Legion of Honour in 2006, and now runs a vineyard near his hometown of Avignon. His son, Giuliano, has followed him into professional motorsport, competing in Super GT and other international categories.

Aggressive, spectacular, wheel-to-wheel racing specialist

One of the most gifted drivers never to win a championship

• Canadian Grand Prix Winner 1995 (Ferrari)
• Podiums 32
• Pole positions 2
• F1 career: 201 Grands Prix