The I / AM member with the Fernando Alonso-inspired tattoo

Would you take tattoo advice from a two-time World Champion? I / AM member Laura did after asking Fernando Alonso what tattoo to get. At the Spanish Grand Prix, we gave her the chance to surprise Fernando with her new body art.

An astonishing Formula One career has seen Fernando Alonso leave an indelible mark on the sport but also on his legions of fans, and nowhere is this more apparent than in his home country of Spain. The love and affection for Fernando is heart-warming; the energy from fans is infectious; the passion doesn't stay in the grandstands, it spills into the streets.

And as we arrived in Barcelona for the Spanish Grand Prix, we sought to bring a story stretching back to Fernando’s 400th Grand Prix in Mexico City last year full circle. We invited I / AM member and Tarragona resident Laura into the F1 paddock at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya to show her new tattoo to the man who directly inspired it through our unique 'FAQ' interview feature, which gave I / AM members the opportunity to ask Fernando anything.

Former Scotland native and passionate Fernando fan Laura sent in this question, together with a heartfelt message of support from her son Joey:

Could you give me some suggestions of what kind of tattoo I could have? Whatever you suggest, I promise that I will get it.

Listen to Laura and Joey's message

With a keen interest in tattoos himself, for inspiration, Fernando pointed Laura in the direction of a culture he has a great affinity for, which inspired his own ink.

"It's very personal and very difficult to give you any idea. As you may know, I'm a fan of Japan and Japanese culture, and I have a samurai on my back. I would say something around Japanese culture. Normally, there are a lot of great ideas for tattoos. Search something about Japan and you will probably be happily surprised."

Fast forward seven months, and it was Fernando who was happily surprised, upon discovering Laura had stayed true to her word when we invited her into the paddock for his, and now her, home race to show the two-time World Champion the body art he inspired.

I feel connected to Fernando because the tattoo was inspired by his suggestion.
Laura – I / AM member

Carefully positioned at the top of her back, in a similar location to Fernando's samurai tattoo, Laura's latest tattoo features delicate cherry blossom entwined around a katana, with 'Magic Alonso' written in Japanese script alongside.

"I've waited more than 20 years to meet Fernando, so I'm extremely excited and happy to have finally achieved the dream," said Laura after meeting her hero.

"It's been wonderful, I'm surprised I didn't cry! It's been even better than I could have imagined.

"In a sense, I feel connected to Fernando because the tattoo was inspired by his suggestion. It was really lovely that he said he remembered the 'FAQ' feature as well.

"Thank you Aston Martin Aramco and Fernando for such a wonderful experience."

I / AM