After weeks of teasing via social media and an official announcement on Nov. 2, the car swap between Jimmie Johnson and Fernando Alonso arrives tomorrow in Bahrain at the Bahrain International Circuit.
Johnson will pilot a Formula 1 car while Alonso will hop in Johnson’s No. 48 Chevrolet.
It’s the third such driver swap between NASCAR and F1 drivers after Jeff Gordon-Juan Pablo Montoya in 2003 at Indianapolis and Tony Stewart-Lewis Hamilton in 2011 at Watkins Glen.
On Saturday and Sunday, Johnson was visited Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as a guest of McLaren Racing and Alonso.
Johnson toured the F1 garage, watched pit stop practice, qualifying and participated in hot laps riding in a street car with Alonso.
“I’m a massive Formula 1 fan and have followed it my whole life,” Johnson said in media release. “I have the utmost respect for Fernando and this form of motorsport. There is such an energy around Fernando – his racing has been so celebrated over the years, he is such a legend. To see how this year has unfolded – we didn’t know of his retirement when decided to do this. So to be a part of this huge weekend for him is just unbelievable. McLaren has been amazing.”
Here’s a look at how Johnson has documented his preparation for the driver swap on social media this week.
Team Johnson is off. Our first stop is in London for some sight seeing and then a day for dad @McLarenF1. ✌️#JJxALO pic.twitter.com/AZuVqAY4R0
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) November 19, 2018
Just a little reminder for next Monday @alo_oficial. 😜@NASCAR @F1 @McLarenF1 pic.twitter.com/i68RTDDbMd
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) November 20, 2018
Just hanging out @McLarenF1 #JJxALO pic.twitter.com/H6ZrJjV1NO
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) November 21, 2018
4️⃣8️⃣ | Dan Gurney@McLarenF1 #JJxALO pic.twitter.com/DaHFFQCu6j
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) November 21, 2018
Next step:
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) November 21, 2018
Firesuit ✔️
Helmet ✔️#JJxALO pic.twitter.com/lmRKpEcp85
I don’t even know where to start about today. @McLarenF1 gave me an experience of a life time. From touring the facility, meeting their employees and then 6 hours in the simulator. 🤙@ZBrownCEO @alo_oficial #JJxALO pic.twitter.com/D42p4IZVYx
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) November 21, 2018
Just a little less room than I’m used to. Thanks @JensonButton for the seat set-up.
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) November 22, 2018
Also pretty pumped about this new helmet for #JJxALO. @BAH_Int_Circuit is looking good pic.twitter.com/hVAuW6ry4m
Sim break. 6 hours of learning yesterday. #JJxALO pic.twitter.com/Y8Gf7ubXN6
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) November 22, 2018
Thanksgiving in Dubai pic.twitter.com/M8CTxhjE8M
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) November 23, 2018
It’s been an incredible few days in Dubai. Ready to head to Abu Dhabi for the @f1 season finale 🏎 #JJxALO pic.twitter.com/QgyycDCmc7
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) November 24, 2018
Getting the full @McLarenF1 immersion to Abu Dhabi @alo_oficial @LandoNorris #JJxALO pic.twitter.com/bHYJdKicTl
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) November 24, 2018
Well that was fun #JJxALO@alo_oficial @McLarenF1 @TeamHendrick @NASCAR pic.twitter.com/DEPiwb7tHO
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) November 24, 2018
The experience of a lifetime and we haven't even gotten to Bahrain yet #JJxALO pic.twitter.com/oP5gJY1CGl
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) November 24, 2018
This is so rad. I can't wait for Monday. #JJxALO pic.twitter.com/LcKEOso0JF
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) November 25, 2018
Meanwhile, in Bahrain... #JJxALO pic.twitter.com/zknNFVFl4O
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) November 25, 2018
Here we come @BAH_Int_Circuit. #JJxAOL pic.twitter.com/MvErklnAEO
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) November 25, 2018