It has been revealed that Fernando Alonso was once considered for an unexpected role far from Formula 1 — driving the Pope.
The idea emerged during Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to Spain in August 2011. Organisers briefly explored whether the two-time world champion could take the wheel of the Popemobile.
The proposal came from Yago de la Cierva, who coordinated papal trips in Spain at the time. It did not progress far.
“In 2011 we asked expressly if the papamobile could be driven by Fernando Alonso. They shouted in the sky and told us, no way!
“I defended that idea and said ‘I think he knows how to drive, I mean, I think the Pope is not in danger’. But [they replied] ‘no, it has to be a national policeman’, and he was a national policeman.”
The plan was ultimately rejected in favour of standard protocol, which requires official security personnel to drive the Popemobile.
In theory, Alonso’s schedule could have allowed it. Formula 1 was in its 2011 summer break during the Pope’s visit between 18–21 August.
At the time, Alonso was in his fourth season with Ferrari. He won the British Grand Prix that year and finished fourth in the championship, between near title challenges in 2010 and 2012.
Alonso remains Spain’s most successful F1 driver, with two world titles and 32 career wins.
Now 44, he faces an uncertain future. A difficult start to the 2026 season with Aston Martin has raised questions over his next move, with his contract set to expire at the end of the year.
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