Overview
- Yago de la Cierva’s recollection, reported Wednesday, says organizers asked in 2011 if Fernando Alonso could drive Pope Benedict XVI through Madrid and were told “absolutely not.”
- De la Cierva says Vatican security insisted the Popemobile be driven by a national police officer, reflecting protocol for the Pope’s protective vehicle.
- The 2011 visit ran August 18–21 during Formula 1’s summer break, so Alonso’s schedule theoretically allowed it as he was a Ferrari driver who won that year’s British Grand Prix and logged 10 podiums.
- The story has resurfaced as Pope Leo XIV plans a Spain trip on June 6–12, and one outlet quotes de la Cierva saying organizers may “try many things,” though no plan to let Alonso drive has been confirmed.
- Recent coverage also links the anecdote to Alonso’s rough 2026 start with Aston Martin and his contract expiring at year’s end, which has sharpened interest in his future.