He's a two-time world champion and one of F1's highest paid mega stars, but beyond the paddock Fernando Alonso sees himself as just a regular guy.
The McLaren driver is bold and daring out on the race track, but also a well-adjusted, down-to-earth individual away from it, with he's two feet solidly anchored to his family.
"Ma family is the basis of my life," Alonso told Germany's Bild.
"I share everything with them, I tell them about my thoughts, my dreams and my future objectives. I never do anything without discussing it first with my family.
"I often travel and I take the time to call them before or after taking a plane, regardless of the time zone I happen to be in. I try to talk to them on Skype."
A far cry from Lewis Hamilton's loud and glitzy jet-set lifestyle, Alonso's existence doesn't showcase his wealth but emphasizes his simple, practical approach to his everyday life.
"You know, I'm a very normal guy, a normal kid, a normal friend. I know the price of a bottle of milk at the supermarket in Lugano, where I live. I also like to cook and go to the movies.
"When you're a Formula 1 driver, everyone goes out of their way to please you, whether it's the team or the sponsors..
"But outside of F1, I handle my own travel reservations and compare the prices online. I'm careful with my spending. In my daily life, I take care of my own problems."
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