Fernando Alonso admits Barcelona Grand Prix could be his final home race

Alonso prepares for an emotional Barcelona weekend

Fernando Alonso has conceded that this weekend’s Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix may be his final Formula 1 appearance at the circuit, as uncertainty continues to surround his future beyond the end of his current Aston Martin contract.

"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," Alonso said ahead of the event. "I will try to enjoy the weekend."

Aston Martin reality tempers expectations

Aston Martin’s difficult outlook in Spain has already been underlined in the build-up to the event, with the team expecting a demanding weekend in Barcelona. As covered in our analysis of Aston Martin’s Barcelona reality check, the circuit is set to expose the scale of the team’s current limitations.

"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," Alonso admitted. "I want everyone to still enjoy the weekend."

Decision expected after the summer

Alonso has previously acknowledged that becoming a father has changed his outlook, even though he still wants to keep racing in some form. For now, however, his Formula 1 future remains unresolved.

Asked whether he expects to still be on the grid when Barcelona returns in two years, Alonso gave no firm indication. "I don’t have anything in mind. After summer I will take the decision to continue or not," he said.

The two-time Barcelona winner framed every race this season as potentially significant, but admitted the home event carries a sharper edge because it will not appear on next year’s calendar.

"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," Alonso said. "Here in Barcelona there is a little bit more of that chance as it’s not happening next year."

For Alonso, this 23rd Barcelona Grand Prix is therefore less about competitive promise and more about recognition: a possible farewell to a circuit he described as magical throughout his long Formula 1 career.