Two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso has stunned the Barcelona paddock by declaring this weekend’s race will likely be his final appearance at the circuit.
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya hosted the Spanish Grand Prix continuously from 1991 until last year, before Madrid’s new street circuit took over as Formula 1’s official Spanish venue.
Barcelona struck a new deal with Formula 1 in 2026 that will see the venue return on an alternating basis, meaning no race there in 2027 but confirmed slots in 2028, 2030 and 2032.
Alonso, who serves as a track ambassador for the circuit, does not believe he will still be competing in Formula 1 when Barcelona next hosts a grand prix in 2028.
Speaking during the official drivers’ press conference ahead of this weekend’s race, Alonso was asked what message he had for the enormous number of fans travelling to support him.
His response was nothing short of a bombshell, with the Aston Martin driver delivering a deeply personal and emotional statement to those in attendance.
“It’s going to be a special weekend. Probably my last Barcelona race in Formula 1,” Alonso told reporters gathered at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Thursday.
He continued: “I want to say thanks to everyone. I will try to enjoy the weekend, I will not be competitive and I will not be too long in the car in qualifying. In the race hopefully yes, not at the pace we want.”
Alonso also reflected on what the Spanish crowd means to him personally, adding: “I still want everyone to enjoy the weekend and it’s always a celebration when they come to Barcelona.”
The veteran driver placed this weekend firmly into historical context, noting it would be his 23rd Spanish Grand Prix, describing all of them as magical and expressing his hope that this final one would be no different.
Alonso has been a central figure in Formula 1 since the early 2000s, and his connection to the Spanish Grand Prix runs deeper than almost any other race on the calendar given his passionate home support.
The 2028 return of the Barcelona race would fall at a point where Alonso would be in his mid-forties, making his suggestion that retirement will arrive before then a highly plausible one.