Fernando Alonso to the Rescue of Montmeló While Seeking His Own Lifeline

There was a time not so long ago when thinking of Montmeló was synonymous with an essential circuit. The Spanish Grand Prix was the most coveted by engineers because the Barcelona track seemed designed to encompass all the elements of motorsport (fast corners, slow corners, long straights, high and low downforce areas), making it indispensable both for preseason and the calendar. Historically, at least in recent decades, this was the case: the arrival in Spain, specifically Barcelona, of the 'big circus', marked the first evolutions of the cars. And whoever got it right ended up winning. It's no coincidence that since 2016 there have only been two different winners, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.

Those days seem far away now, as Montmeló finds itself on the edge. The emergence of Madrid on the calendar has put more pressure than ever on facilities that are undeniably appreciated by drivers, engineers, and fans alike. Although the days of the blue tide are long gone, there remains a certain fondness for this Grand Prix over others. It's no coincidence that Fernando Alonso has been signed as an ambassador and practically a saviour, as they need to lobby against what they consider a real threat from 'Madring', which has a confirmed ten-year contract, at least.

Although difficult, the possibility of coexistence between the two Spanish circuits, either through a Solomon-like alternation each year or through a joint presence on the calendar as seen in Italy or the United States, would be the best decision from a Spanish perspective. However, in an F1 increasingly looking towards other destinations—hence why Saudi Arabia and other Eastern powers pay the fortunes they do—this seems unlikely. Moreover, the eternal and almost clichéd rivalry between Madrid and Catalonia: if the former has Sainz, the latter signs Alonso, with countless nuances and issues beyond what they sign in their respective contracts.

Thus, we arrive at this Spanish Grand Prix, where the nationals will have much to say. On one hand, ambassador Alonso faces the worst start of his career in 24 years. Literally: one has to go back to 2001 to see the last time he didn't score in the first eight races of the year, as in 2015 he also reached the 9th without points because he didn't compete in the Australian GP that started that season. Alonso is aware that not everything (in fact, almost nothing) has been his fault, but also that many hopes are pinned on him. Behind his retirements, as before when they were victories, there are hundreds of thousands of fans—some, also tens of thousands, have jumped ship—pushing him upwards. There's no better place than here, where he achieved his last victory, the 32nd, back in 2013, to rise again and shake off the '0'.

On a more general note, this Spanish GP is also very important for the course of the championship overall. Since preseason, it was known that the FIA would implement a regulatory change here regarding the flexibility limits of the wings. It's not a minor issue, as the widespread rumour is that this is the factor where McLaren's leaders have found their philosopher's stone, underpinning their dominance since the end of last year. It's no coincidence that Adrian Newey, the Aston Martin wizard for 2026, kept a close eye on them in Monaco.

Thus, during practice, qualifying, and the race, the rigidity of the wings will be measured. It will be done in a manner as simple as it is effective: placing steel weights that must not yield more than what the regulations allow. Having been forewarned since March, no one should expect a slew of technical disqualifications on Sunday, but it at least adds another element of interest to a race that, if it is to be Montmeló's last, could be very significant for the remainder of 2025.