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

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

The Aston Martin ambassador sheds light on the future of the Asturian driver, between caution and hope, remembering an unexpected turn in 2024.

The atmosphere at the presentation of the 2026 Formula 1 Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix was full of expectation, but also unanswered questions. Before the microphones of Mundo Deportivo, Pedro de la Rosa, key figure and ambassador of Aston Martin, was enigmatic when asked about the future of Fernando Alonso. “I don't have the slightest idea,” confessed the Catalan, leaving in the air the possibility that the next event in Montmeló could be the last for the legendary Spanish driver.

Alonso's decision to continue in F1 in 2027 or extend his career for several more years is, according to De la Rosa, “very personal.” No one, not even those closest to the driver, can predict with certainty whether this Grand Prix will be the finishing touch to a career full of successes on the Catalan track, a place that holds countless memories for the two-time world champion.

To illustrate the unpredictable nature of Fernando Alonso when making decisions about his future, De la Rosa shared an anecdote that took place during the 2024 season. At that time, the Asturian driver had hinted to Pedro that he was planning to retire at the end of the year. This possibility led De la Rosa to make a drastic decision: to communicate to his family and the team his desire to compete in all the races of the season, instead of the agreed half, in order to live intensely what he believed would be Alonso's last year in F1.

“Well, in 2024, it was the last year of Fernando's contract and I thought he was going to retire,” said De la Rosa. “The issue is that Fernando initially told me that he was retiring… Well, I was thinking about it, he didn't say that he was 100% retiring either. So I told the team that for 2024, which was theoretically Fernando's last season, well, he wanted to go to all the grand prix.”

De la Rosa himself recognized the challenge that this entailed: “And I have an agreement with the team that I more or less do half of it. And then, doing the entire calendar, practically 24 races, is a brutal challenge on a family level. Because really… But well, 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 with a smile.

The family and team accepted Pedro's request, and the travel schedule was meticulously organized. However, fate had other plans. At the beginning of the 2024 season, during one of the first races, De la Rosa met with Alonso. It was then that the Asturian pilot dropped the bomb: he was considering renewing his contract.

“When the 2024 season already started, I met with Fernando one day. It was the second or third race. I remember that Fernando started to talk to me that he wants to renew… well, the word 'renew', I think, 'Wow!'. But to renew for two more seasons…”, De la Rosa confessed, still visibly surprised by the memory.

The news of Alonso's possible renewal for two more years filled De la Rosa with joy, but it also forced him to make a 180-degree turn in his plans. “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.

When communicating his desire to modify the calendar to the team, De la Rosa found an unexpected response. “I told the team: 'Hey, you know what? That calendar we made, well, 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. And 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,'” he recalled with humor.

What was destined to be Fernando Alonso's last chapter in Formula 1 was transformed, thanks to his unwavering passion and talent, into a two-year renewal. “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.

Finally, the Aston Martin ambassador sent a message to the public that is expected to fill the stands of the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix: “enjoy Fernando. And whatever comes, will come.” Some words that encapsulate the uncertainty and hope that surround the future of the iconic Spanish driver.

Frequently Asked Questions:

When was Fernando Alonso's possible retirement announced in 2024?
Pedro de la Rosa hinted that Fernando Alonso told him that he was thinking of retiring at the end of the 2024 season.

What decision did Pedro de la Rosa make regarding Alonso's possible retirement?
De la Rosa decided to ask the team to compete in all the races of the 2024 season to live Alonso's theoretical last year intensely.

When did De la Rosa find out about Alonso's intention to renew?
He found out at the beginning of the 2024 season, in the second or third race.

How many more seasons did Alonso consider renewing?
Fernando Alonso expressed his desire to renew for two more seasons.

How did the Aston Martin team react to De la Rosa's request to change the calendar?
The team already had everything organized and told De la Rosa that they could not modify the calendar, asking him the reason for his request.

What did De la Rosa respond to the team about the calendar change?
He could not give a clear reason, claiming it was a family issue.

What final message did Pedro de la Rosa send to the public?
He asked the public to enjoy Fernando Alonso and that the future will be seen.

At what event were these statements made?
At the presentation of the Barcelona-Catalunya F1 Grand Prix 2026.

Who is Pedro de la Rosa in the context of Aston Martin?
He is an Aston Martin ambassador.

What is expected from the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix?
A packed house is expected in the stands.

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