Former Formula 1 driver and Aston Martin ambassador Pedro de la Rosa has called on his country’s leading companies to invest in young talent to replace Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz.
Alonso’s seismic F1 career, which began in 2001, has firmly put F1 on the map in his homeland, a country often noted for being more keen on bike racing than four-wheeled varieties.
His two World Championship triumphs in 2005 and 2006 have seen his status firmly implemented as one of Spain’s most treasured exports, particularly given his longevity.
Alonso’s recent points finish at the Dutch Grand Prix saw him become the 14th-oldest F1 driver in history to score points, having just turned 45 years old.
Sainz is, of course, another notable example, having become part of the sport’s furniture, with four Grand Prix victories and a career that has so far taken him to heritage-laden teams such as McLaren, Ferrari, and now, Williams.
The son of rally legend Carlos Sr is also, of course, an ambassador for the Madring circuit, which will see its maiden Grand Prix take place today, beginning its tenure as the host of the Spanish Grand Prix.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Motorsport Week at the Madring, de la Rosa – who raced for teams including Arrows, Jaguar and McLaren – lavished praise on the organisers for completing the circuit with such a minuscule timeframe.
“Well, I think it’s amazing what they have achieved in such a short time,” he said. “I haven’t followed the project on a regular basis, I must say, but I could see when I was coming to Madrid and I was going to the airport and I was passing through with a taxi, that obviously they were pushing the limits and they were trying as fast as they could to get everything ready.
“And once we have arrived here, I can only say, ‘well done’. Because projects like this make me very proud, especially how good the track is, but especially how good the infrastructure is. All the hospitality, the paddock, the corporate units, everything looks really outstanding. I feel very proud.”
De la Rosa calls for investment to guarantee a bright future in F1 for Spain
The Madring is perhaps a big statement for the country, becoming the sixth venue for its Grand Prix, and possibly the most unique, with its hybrid street profile taking in notable parts of the city.
But de la Rosa stressed the importance of budding young drivers being given the financial help to work their way up the motorsport ladder, to ensure that they have the best possible chance to replace Alonso and Sainz as the nation’s home heroes.
“It’s the second Grand Prix in my home country, which is amazing,” he said. “Because it’s difficult to have one, but two is like a dream. And that’s it. It just proves how strong Formula 1 is in Spain right now. But it’s just a reminder that we should not fall asleep.
“Spain as a country, we have two great drivers with Carlos and Fernando. We have two Grands Prix now, today in 2026. But things can change very rapidly in F1, so let’s use them as a platform to invest more in young talent. Because I think that what is missing now in Spain is Spanish companies investing in young talent to have a future replacement of Carlos and Fernando.
“We have Alex Palou, which is great, but I mean, probably he will not want to come back to Formula 1 – possibly, I don’t know, I hope so – but you never know. And then we have Pepe Martí in Formula E. We have Mari Boya in F2, Bruno Del Pino in F3.
“We have great drivers, but if we don’t have Spanish companies, having a Grand Prix in Spain won’t guarantee us a future World Champion. And this is now what we need to think as a country.
“It’s great to have Madrid now, fantastic venue, super, has a 10-year contract with Formula 1. But let’s make sure that it activates the investment of Spanish companies.
“They are not enough in Formula 1.”
De la Rosa will be hoping that Alonso, his Aston Martin colleague, will be able to at least make today’s home crowd cheer with what will have to be a gutsy performance from the tail end of the grid.
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