Alonso takes on new role to help save Barcelona’s F1 race

As the Formula 1 paddock rolls into Barcelona for what could be the penultimate Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuit de Catalunya, a familiar face has been chosen to spearhead efforts to secure its future: Fernando Alonso.

The two-time world champion has officially become an ambassador for the Barcelona-based venue, a role that will see him promote the facility globally and mentor emerging Spanish talent.

This weekend marks the 34th and Spanish Grand Prix at the circuit nestled in the rolling hills of Montmelo. But with a new Madrid street race set to debut in 2026, the Catalan track faces an uncertain future beyond its current contract, which extends through next season.

Alonso’s appointment as ambassador is widely seen as a key move in helping Barcelona prolong its long-standing relationship with the sport.

“I’m delighted to have become an ambassador for the circuit,” Alonso said. “I’ve had huge support racing at it from my early years in Formula 1 and I’ve enjoyed victory there too.”

His victories at the Spanish Grand Prix in 2006 and 2013 remain cherished moments, etched into the memories of fans who filled the grandstands.

“I have amazing memories of the racing at the circuit and sharing those experiences with the Spanish fans, so I have a special connection with the track.

“I hope I can pass that feeling on to the next generation and help the sport grow even further in Spain.”

A Difficult Season but a Special Weekend

Alonso steps into this honorary role at a time when his 2025 season has been anything but smooth. The 43-year-old has yet to score a point after eight races this year – a run of form that matches the worst start of his career, comparable only to his rookie season in 2001 and the troubled 2015 campaign with McLaren.

A string of misfortunes has compounded the veteran’s woes. Most recently, he was running solidly in the top 10 at the Monaco Grand Prix before a sudden engine failure on lap 38 forced his retirement.

That setback followed another promising qualifying result at Imola, where he narrowly missed out on points with an 11th-place finish.

Despite the rocky start, Alonso remains optimistic about the potential of his Aston Martin AMR25 and is hopeful of turning things around at his home race.

“It’s been a challenging season up to this point and we’ve not got the results we would have liked but there are positives to take, particularly from the last couple of rounds,” he explained.

“Securing top 10 starting positions for both the Emilia-Romagna and Monaco Grands Prix shows that the recent updates we’ve made to the AMR25 have improved our one-lap pace.

“We’ve just been on the wrong side of luck on Sunday when it comes to Grands Prix; one down to the timing of a VSC and one because of an issue with the car.

“Hopefully that misfortune will change soon and we can be there to take advantage. I’m looking forward to getting back in the car and seeing what we can do this weekend.”

This weekend, Alonso will be drawing strength from the crowd at his home circuit – fans who have cheered him on throughout every twist and turn of his storied career.

“The Spanish Grand Prix is always a special moment in the season for me,” he said.

“Racing at home, hearing the fans chant your name in the grandstands; it’s something you never get used to. Every year it’s a privilege to come back and compete in front of them.

“The atmosphere is electric, and the support gives you that little bit extra behind the wheel.”

As F1 prepares for a shift in its Spanish presence, Alonso’s new ambassadorial duties may prove vital in keeping the spirit of Barcelona’s historic circuit alive in the sport’s future calendar.

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