£9 million. Wow. “He’s all thumbs” has an entirely new meaning for Fernando.

Team sponsors Santander said they had insured the Spaniard’s thumbs for five million each as part of a publicity campaign for accident and life insurance ahead of next week’s Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. “Alonso’s thumbs are a symbol, as well as being essential for driving a Formula One car, in that they make a sign of victory and show that everything is under control and well protected,” the bank said in a statement.