Spanish racing superstar Fernando Alonso has been left out in the cold as his Formula 1 rival, Carlos Sainz, was chosen for a prestigious role in the 2026 season. Despite Alonso’s impressive F1 career with over 20 years of experience and two world titles under his belt, it was Sainz who was named as the track ambassador for the upcoming Madrid Grand Prix set to debut in 2026.
The new Madrid race will replace the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya as the host of the Spanish Grand Prix from next year until 2035, with Sainz taking on the ambassadorial role for his hometown event. Expressing his excitement for the new race, Sainz stated, “I’m very excited about Madrid’s arrival on the calendar. They chose me as an ambassador for the Grand Prix and it’s an honor for me because it’s my city, the place where I was born and raised.”
While Sainz’s appointment as the Madrid GP ambassador seems fitting due to his roots in the city, questions arise about Alonso’s exclusion from the prestigious role. To compensate for this snub, the 43-year-old Alonso announced his ambassadorship for the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya ahead of the Spanish GP this weekend. However, the future of the Barcelona circuit remains uncertain as Madrid takes its place on the F1 calendar, despite having a contract with the sport until the end of 2026.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali hinted at the possibility of Barcelona continuing to feature on the F1 calendar beyond 2026, despite Madrid’s debut. “The fact we are in Madrid is not excluding the fact we could stay in Barcelona for the future,” he explained. Discussions are ongoing to explore extending the collaboration with Barcelona, emphasizing the positive relationship between the city and F1.
As the Spanish racing scene undergoes these significant changes and power dynamics shift, fans are left speculating on the future of both Alonso and the iconic Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Stay tuned for more updates on this intense rivalry and the evolving F1 landscape.