Fernando Alonso: This could be my last Grand Prix in Barcelona

The 44-year-old Aston Martin driver heads into his home event knowing the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will leave the calendar in 2027 before returning on a rotational basis in 2028, 2030 and 2032.

Ahead of the race, Alonso reflected on the possibility that the event could mark the end of a long relationship with the venue where he has competed in 23 Grands Prix, in 431 GP starts: “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.”

Alonso's future remains uncertain beyond 2026. The two-time world champion has repeatedly said he will assess his options during the season, despite remaining one of Formula 1's most experienced and recognisable figures.

Aston Martin have endured a difficult campaign, with Alonso scoring the team's first point of the season when he finished 10th in Monaco.

While hopes of repeating his Spanish Grand Prix victories of 2006 and 2013 appear remote, Alonso said he has not yet made a decision about whether he will still be racing when Barcelona returns to the calendar: “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," added the veteran.

For now, Alonso's focus remains on enjoying another homecoming in front of Spanish fans, even as he acknowledges the possibility that the curtain could be coming down on his Formula 1 career.