Alonso's Last Dance In Montmeló? De La Rosa Reveals Uncertainty And A Funny Anecdote

Alonso's Last Dance in Montmeló? De la Rosa Reveals Uncertainty and a Funny Anecdote

The Aston Martin ambassador admits not knowing anything about the Asturian's future, recalling how Fernando's continuity in F1 was almost lost.

The atmosphere at the presentation of the 2026 Formula 1 Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix was full of expectation, but also palpable uncertainty. Before the microphones of Mundo Deportivo, Pedro de la Rosa, key figure and ambassador of Aston Martin, opened up about one of the topics that most intrigues fans: the future of Fernando Alonso. When asked directly whether the Catalan event could be the last for his compatriot on the Circuit, De la Rosa responded with a forcefulness that only underlines the mystery: “I don't have the slightest idea.”

Fernando Alonso's decision to continue in Formula 1 beyond 2026, or even to hang up his helmet, is a “very personal” matter. This is emphasized by De la Rosa, who recognizes that no one, not even those closest to the pilot, can predict with certainty what the Asturian's next move will be. The Montmeló route, the scene of so many successes and indelible memories for Alonso, thus becomes a canvas where all possibilities are projected, from a triumphant farewell to the continuation of a legend.

To illustrate the unpredictability of the two-time world champion, Pedro de la Rosa shared an anecdote that caused laughter and astonishment among those present. During the 2024 season, De la Rosa firmly believed that Fernando Alonso was about to retire from competition. This conviction led him to make a momentous personal decision: to ask the Aston Martin team to compete in all of the races that season, instead of half, as was their usual agreement.

“In 2024, it was the last year of Fernando's contract and I thought he was going to retire,” De la Rosa confessed. “Fernando at first told me that he was thinking about it, he didn't say that he was retiring one hundred percent either. So I told the team that for 2024, which was Fernando's last season in theory, because he wanted to go to all the grand prix.” The implication of this decision was considerable, since it implied a “bestial” family and logistical effort, as he himself described it, to be present in the 24 races on the calendar.

The motivation behind this bold request was clear: to fully enjoy what he perceived as “the end of an era.” “I thought: 'Hey, if it's the end of an era, I want to enjoy it to the fullest.' And that's how it was,” he explained, confirming that his family and the team accepted his wish, and that all the travel and logistics planning was put into motion.

However, fate, and especially Fernando Alonso's mentality, had other plans. A few races into the 2024 season, De la Rosa met with Alonso. It was at that meeting when he heard the word that radically changed his perspective and plans: “renew.” “I remember that Fernando started to talk to me about how he wants to renew… well, the word 'renew', I think, 'Wow!'. But to renew for two more seasons…”, De la Rosa said, visibly moved by reliving the moment.

The news of a possible renewal of Alonso for two more years was received with joy by De la Rosa, who did not take long to communicate the news to the team. “So, when I hear this about two seasons, I say, 'okay, okay, and I'm delighted with life.' But the first thing I do is talk to Aston Martin,” he added with a laugh.

The Aston Martin team's reaction to De la Rosa's request to modify the schedule, which was already meticulously organized for his full-time presence, was surprising. “I told the team: 'Hey, you know what? That schedule we made, we would have to reduce it by half and so on. And they told me that they had already organized everything, that they couldn't change it anymore.' The team's question about the reason for the change left De la Rosa in a comical situation: “They asked me why I wanted to change it and I didn't know what to say. I told them: 'No… it's a family issue.'”

Thus, what was destined to be Fernando Alonso's last year in Formula 1 became a renewal of two more seasons. “What had to be the last season ended up being a renewal for two more years. And we are happy that this was the case and that I hope it will be for another year,” concluded De la Rosa, with a smile that reflected gratitude for the continuity of the Asturian pilot.

Finally, De la Rosa addressed a message to the public that is expected to fill the stands of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya: “enjoy Fernando. And whatever comes, will come.” A few words that encapsulate the emotion of the moment and the hope that the legend of Alonso continues to write chapters, whether in Montmeló or anywhere else in the world.

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Frequently Asked Questions about the Future of Fernando Alonso

What did Pedro de la Rosa say about the future of Fernando Alonso?

Pedro de la Rosa admitted that he “doesn't have the slightest idea” about Fernando Alonso's plans after 2026, calling the decision “very personal.”

When is there speculation that it could be Fernando Alonso's last race in Barcelona?

The presentation of the Barcelona-Catalunya GP of F1 2026 has generated speculation, but De la Rosa has not confirmed if this will be the Asturian's last appointment on the Catalan track.

What anecdote did De la Rosa share about Alonso's continuity?

De la Rosa recounted how in 2024 he thought Alonso was retiring and decided to compete in all the races, only to discover shortly after that Alonso wanted to renew.

Why did De la Rosa want to compete in all the races in 2024?

Thinking that 2024 would be Fernando Alonso's last year in F1, De la Rosa wanted to “enjoy the most” of that “era” at his side.

What happened when Alonso announced his desire to renew?

When Alonso expressed his intention to renew for two more seasons, De la Rosa had to ask the Aston Martin team to reduce its schedule, since it had been organized for his full-time presence.

How did the Aston Martin team react to De la Rosa's request?

The Aston Martin team, which had already organized the entire calendar, was unable to modify it and asked De la Rosa the reason, to which he responded that it was “a family issue.”

How many more seasons did Fernando Alonso renew?

Fernando Alonso renewed for two more seasons, extending his commitment to Aston Martin beyond what was initially planned.

What message did De la Rosa send to the fans attending the Barcelona GP?

De la Rosa asked the public to “enjoy Fernando” and that “whatever comes, will come,” inviting them to live the moment with passion.

What is expected from the Barcelona-Catalunya GP of F1 2026?

A packed house is expected in the stands of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, with great expectation for the possible farewell or continuity of Fernando Alonso.

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