Santander Insures Alonso’s Thumbs

Ferrari F1 driver Fernando Alonso has had his thumbs insured to the tune of almost £9m as part of a life and accident package arranged by one of his team’s primary sponsors, banking giant Santander.

Alonso has signed a new one-year deal with Santander that now sees the Spaniard sponsored by the insurance arm of the company, as well as the banking division.

Santander has been a long-term partner of Alonso’s following the driver from Renault to McLaren and now Ferrari in the last few seasons.

A spokesperson said: ‘Alonso’s thumbs are a big symbol as, apart from being essential when driving a Formula One car, they represent a sign of victory and that everything is under control and well protected.’