Alonso concedes 2026 is ‘probably my last Barcelona race in F1’

Fernando Alonso has admitted this weekend's Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix could well be his last race at the circuit before he retires from competing in F1, with the venue set to return to the calendar again in 2028.

The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has seen regular Grands Prix since its debut in 1991, but it was confirmed earlier this year that it will be put on rotation with the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps and will host races in 2028, 2030, and 2032.

Alonso has been open about his thoughts on remaining in F1 once his contract at Aston Martin expires at the end of this season, previously admitting that while becoming a father has changed his outlook, he still wants to continue racing in some capacity.

Speaking ahead of the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, the Spaniard said: “It’s going to be a special weekend. This is probably my last Barcelona race in Formula 1, so 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, but not at the pace that we all want. I want everyone to still enjoy the weekend.

“It has always been a celebration when we come to Barcelona. I think this is my 23rd Grand Prix [here] and all of them have been magical. This last has to be magical as well.”

His current team, Aston Martin, have not enjoyed the start to the year they had hoped for as they continue to struggle at the back of the order.

Alonso scored their first point of the season last time out at the Monaco Grand Prix, but he remained realistic about his chances of giving his passionate fans a strong result – such as his victories in 2006 and 2013 – at the Spanish circuit.

Asked to elaborate on whether he believes he will still be on the grid when Barcelona hosts again in two years’ time, he responded: “I don’t have anything in mind. After summer I will take the decision to continue or not.

"Barcelona obviously is not happening next year, so if I don’t know what I will do next year, it’s nearly impossible to be sure what I will do in two years’ time.

“I consider every race I go to this year potentially could be my last time – in Australia, my last time in China, my last time in Monaco. Here in Barcelona there is a little bit more of that chance as it’s not happening next year.”