Jimmie Johnson and Fernando Alonso ended their play day with dueling doughnuts Monday at Bahrain International Circuit.
Johnson piloted a 2013 Formula One car, while Alonso drove one of Johnson’s No. 48 Chevrolet Cup cars on the road circuit - just the third time NASCAR and Formula One drivers have swapped rides. Jeff Gordon and Juan Pablo Montoya traded rides in 2003 at Indianapolis and Tony Stewart and Lewis Hamilton switched rides in 2011 at Watkins Glen.
The doughnuts ended a journey that began in January when Alonso and Johnson met during NASCAR Media Day in Charlotte, North Carolina. Johnson said Alonso suggested they switch rides at some point. They worked during the spring to find a venue and date that would match both their schedules. Eventually, they picked a date after the NASCAR and Formula One seasons ended.
“It’s the ultimate car,” Johnson said earlier this month of why he wanted to try a Formula One car. “To feel the downforce of one of those cars has always been in the back of my mind. I’ve always wanted to experience it.”
Here’s a look at the how the day went for Johnson and Alonso in their ride swap:
What an amazing experience this whole journey has been! Thank you to everyone for following along with us throughout it all. 😁 #JJxALO pic.twitter.com/bm2USZ5glE
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) November 26, 2018
It’s not a proper car swap without doughnuts... The @F1 car was a bit tricky in the beginning but I figured it out. 🤙🏼 #JJxALO @McLarenF1 @alo_oficial pic.twitter.com/iN7OA9yUh6
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) November 26, 2018
The braking point is so late in @F1, it’s insane. The G Forces from hitting the brakes so hard actually make your eyes lose focus and vision go blurry 😳 Unreal feeling #JJxALO
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) November 26, 2018
Sound on 🔈🔈@McLarenF1 @alo_oficial @teamhendrick pic.twitter.com/PT5JRbvAZl
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqptmURHe4F/?utm_source=ig_twitter_share&igshid=9o7fdsackviq
👋 @JimmieJohnson. #JJxALO pic.twitter.com/fI5LrhcL04
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) November 26, 2018
Different perspectives. 👀 #NASCAR #F1 #JJxALO pic.twitter.com/cbNqndmvsi
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) November 26, 2018
Hola @NASCAR 😇😇👌👌 #JJALO https://t.co/GehnNTmNN7
— Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) November 26, 2018
Interior specialist Adam Jordan finishes strapping @alo_oficial inside the No. 48 Chevy as he gets ready to head out for a run. #JJxALO
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) November 26, 2018
When your name is above the door it’s official, right? 😉 pic.twitter.com/7QtxTSelH9
THIS IS AWESOME!! #JJxALO @McLarenF1 @alo_oficial pic.twitter.com/qV1WDI92FJ
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) November 26, 2018
Climb on in, @alo_oficial.@JimmieJohnson and Alan Gustafson help get the @F1 champion acclimated inside the No. 48 Chevy. #JJxALO pic.twitter.com/85Ldoc6TV1
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) November 26, 2018