{"id":1873477,"date":"2026-04-08T10:59:28","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T07:59:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1873477"},"modified":"2026-04-08T10:59:28","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T07:59:28","slug":"the-bizarre-story-of-how-fernando-alonso-nearly-ended-up-as-the-popes-chauffeur","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1873477","title":{"rendered":"The bizarre story of how Fernando Alonso nearly ended up as the Pope&#8217;s chauffeur"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1399757_hires_1.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>The bizarre story of how Fernando Alonso nearly ended up as the Pope&#8217;s chauffeur<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>A truly bizarre story about Fernando Alonso and the Pope has been revealed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Lewis Larkam <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-04-08T11:59:28+01:00\">08 Apr 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1399757_hires_1.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1399757_hires_1.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1399757_hires_1.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1399757_hires_1.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1399757_hires_1.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1399757_hires_1.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1399757_hires_1.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1399757_hires_1.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1399757_hires_1.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Alonso is Spain&#8217;s most successful F1 driver<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>A remarkable turn of events could have seen two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso drive the Pope back in 2011.<\/p>\n<p>When Pope Benedict XVI visited Spain 15 years ago it was briefly suggested that Alonso could act as his designated driver of the Popemobile.<\/p>\n<p>However, the proposal, which was revealed by Yago de la Cierva, the coordinator of papal trips to Spain, was quickly shot down.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;In 2011 we asked expressly if the papamobile could be driven by Fernando Alonso,&#8221; de la Cierva said: &#8220;They shouted in the sky and told us, no way!<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I defended that idea and said &#8216;I think he knows how to drive, I mean, I think the Pope is not in danger&#8217;. But [they replied] &#8216;no, it has to be a national policeman&#8217;, and he was a national policeman.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>De le Cierva was speaking as Pope Leo XIV prepares to visit Madrid, Barcelona and two of the Canary Islands in June.<\/p>\n<p>In theory it could have been possible as F1 was observing its summer shutdown period when Pope Benedict XVI made the trip to Spain between 18-21 August.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-ac9614bd7c90a3d45db34a5ab4d608028207375918ac5b878d5f36b5d679f96a\">  Martin Brundle confirms reduced Sky commitments for F1 2026 season   Could Christian Horner answer Audi\u2019s F1 needs after its recent blow? <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Alonso was in his fourth season as a Ferrari driver at the time. He won one race in 2011, the British Grand Prix, and finished fourth in the world championship.<\/p>\n<p>The campaign was sandwiched by near title-misses for Alonso, who agonisingly lost out to Sebastian Vettel in both 2010 and 2012.<\/p>\n<p>Alonso remains Spain\u2019s most successful F1 driver, winning back-to-back titles in 2005 and 2006 with Renault.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-6fcb724d1bcf15d039aa2d553e1dfb9cb259d6e55f825e3f1ea97fa3540a7db8\">  F1 championship leader hints at \u201cmajor changes\u201d coming for Ferrari   McLaren hands F2 champion Silverstone F1 test <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The 44-year-old from Oviedo has amassed a total of 32 career victories and over 100 podium finishes, but has not graced the top step since the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix at Barcelona.<\/p>\n<p>Alonso is enduring a frustrating start to 2026 with Aston Martin and Honda making a torrid start to their new works partnership.<\/p>\n<p>The Spaniard has reached the chequered flag just once in the opening three races, finishing a lap down in 18th at the recent Japanese Grand Prix.<\/p>\n<p>Alonso is out of contract at the end of the year and it remains to be seen whether he will continue in F1, or call time on his legendary career.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">F1<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> F1 championship leader Kimi Antonelli hints at \u201cmajor changes\u201d coming for Ferrari<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/m586525_f1_grand_prix_of_china.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/m586525_f1_grand_prix_of_china.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/m586525_f1_grand_prix_of_china.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/m586525_f1_grand_prix_of_china.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/m586525_f1_grand_prix_of_china.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/m586525_f1_grand_prix_of_china.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/m586525_f1_grand_prix_of_china.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/m586525_f1_grand_prix_of_china.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/m586525_f1_grand_prix_of_china.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"item next\">\n<h3> Next <\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Could Christian Horner answer Audi\u2019s F1 needs after its recent big blow?<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202505180042.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202505180042.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202505180042.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202505180042.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202505180042.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202505180042.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202505180042.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202505180042.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202505180042.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-36a7dad0b0ed7c3d7b1e93c0de6deeab5ae58c8bfeb69922e4ffe85f0e1c8b6d\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/1bc46a82-ac76-40ea-9cf5-d309b802b0ef_1.jpeg?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/1bc46a82-ac76-40ea-9cf5-d309b802b0ef_1.jpeg?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/1bc46a82-ac76-40ea-9cf5-d309b802b0ef_1.jpeg?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Lewis Larkam<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">F1 Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Lewis regularly attends Grands Prix for Crash.net around the world. Often reporting on the action from the ground, Lewis tells the stories of the people who matter in the sport.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-f544d573b03474e939dc66ee80772f856cd8477a08edeca21ef0d39b52bdcac3\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Outspoken race winner claims F1 \u201cdoesn\u2019t need\u201d Max Verstappen<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775636023\"> 14h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404684_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Verstappen has threatened to walk away from F1 \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Nurburgring set for first F1 action in six years with Mercedes test<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775573520\"> 07\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1063751_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"F1 has not visited Germany since the 2020 Eifel Grand Prix \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Red Bull insists &#8220;no discussions&#8221; about Max Verstappen&#8217;s F1 future &#8220;if we get a fast car&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775570400\"> 07\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/si202603290544.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Verstappen is not enjoying the new generation of F1 cars\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>New destination for Christian Horner F1 return tipped by race winner<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775570324\"> 07\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1327500_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Horner has been out of a job in F1 since being sacked by Red Bull in July last year\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Toto Wolff told what he can\u2019t do as Mercedes F1 title tension predicted<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775565443\"> 07\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1399570_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Antonelli leads Russell after three races in F1 2026\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  Feature <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Why crucial F1 rules decisions won\u2019t be made in this week\u2019s meeting<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775563155\"> 07\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404590_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"2026 F1 Japanese GP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>A truly bizarre story about Fernando Alonso and the Pope has been revealed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>A remarkable turn of events could have seen two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso drive the Pope back in 2011.<\/p>\n<p>When Pope Benedict XVI visited Spain 15 years ago it was briefly suggested that Alonso could act as his designated driver of the Popemobile.<\/p>\n<p>However, the proposal, which was revealed by Yago de la Cierva, the coordinator of papal trips to Spain, was quickly shot down.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;In 2011 we asked expressly if the papamobile could be driven by Fernando Alonso,&#8221; de la Cierva said: &#8220;They shouted in the sky and told us, no way!<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I defended that idea and said &#8216;I think he knows how to drive, I mean, I think the Pope is not in danger&#8217;. But [they replied] &#8216;no, it has to be a national policeman&#8217;, and he was a national policeman.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>De le Cierva was speaking as Pope Leo XIV prepares to visit Madrid, Barcelona and two of the Canary Islands in June.<\/p>\n<p>In theory it could have been possible as F1 was observing its summer shutdown period when Pope Benedict XVI made the trip to Spain between 18-21 August.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-ac9614bd7c90a3d45db34a5ab4d608028207375918ac5b878d5f36b5d679f96a\">  Martin Brundle confirms reduced Sky commitments for F1 2026 season   Could Christian Horner answer Audi\u2019s F1 needs after its recent blow? <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Alonso was in his fourth season as a Ferrari driver at the time. He won one race in 2011, the British Grand Prix, and finished fourth in the world championship.<\/p>\n<p>The campaign was sandwiched by near title-misses for Alonso, who agonisingly lost out to Sebastian Vettel in both 2010 and 2012.<\/p>\n<p>Alonso remains Spain\u2019s most successful F1 driver, winning back-to-back titles in 2005 and 2006 with Renault.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-6fcb724d1bcf15d039aa2d553e1dfb9cb259d6e55f825e3f1ea97fa3540a7db8\">  F1 championship leader hints at \u201cmajor changes\u201d coming for Ferrari   McLaren hands F2 champion Silverstone F1 test <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The 44-year-old from Oviedo has amassed a total of 32 career victories and over 100 podium finishes, but has not graced the top step since the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix at Barcelona.<\/p>\n<p>Alonso is enduring a frustrating start to 2026 with Aston Martin and Honda making a torrid start to their new works partnership.<\/p>\n<p>The Spaniard has reached the chequered flag just once in the opening three races, finishing a lap down in 18th at the recent Japanese Grand Prix.<\/p>\n<p>Alonso is out of contract at the end of the year and it remains to be seen whether he will continue in F1, or call time on his legendary career.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>A remarkable turn of events could have seen two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso drive the Pope back in 2011.<\/p>\n<p>When Pope Benedict XVI visited Spain 15 years ago it was briefly suggested that Alonso could act as his designated driver of the Popemobile.<\/p>\n<p>However, the proposal, which was revealed by Yago de la Cierva, the coordinator of papal trips to Spain, was quickly shot down.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;In 2011 we asked expressly if the papamobile could be driven by Fernando Alonso,&#8221; de la Cierva said: &#8220;They shouted in the sky and told us, no way!<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I defended that idea and said &#8216;I think he knows how to drive, I mean, I think the Pope is not in danger&#8217;. But [they replied] &#8216;no, it has to be a national policeman&#8217;, and he was a national policeman.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>De le Cierva was speaking as Pope Leo XIV prepares to visit Madrid, Barcelona and two of the Canary Islands in June.<\/p>\n<p>In theory it could have been possible as F1 was observing its summer shutdown period when Pope Benedict XVI made the trip to Spain between 18-21 August.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-ac9614bd7c90a3d45db34a5ab4d608028207375918ac5b878d5f36b5d679f96a\">  Martin Brundle confirms reduced Sky commitments for F1 2026 season   Could Christian Horner answer Audi\u2019s F1 needs after its recent blow? <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Alonso was in his fourth season as a Ferrari driver at the time. He won one race in 2011, the British Grand Prix, and finished fourth in the world championship.<\/p>\n<p>The campaign was sandwiched by near title-misses for Alonso, who agonisingly lost out to Sebastian Vettel in both 2010 and 2012.<\/p>\n<p>Alonso remains Spain\u2019s most successful F1 driver, winning back-to-back titles in 2005 and 2006 with Renault.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-6fcb724d1bcf15d039aa2d553e1dfb9cb259d6e55f825e3f1ea97fa3540a7db8\">  F1 championship leader hints at \u201cmajor changes\u201d coming for Ferrari   McLaren hands F2 champion Silverstone F1 test <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The 44-year-old from Oviedo has amassed a total of 32 career victories and over 100 podium finishes, but has not graced the top step since the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix at Barcelona.<\/p>\n<p>Alonso is enduring a frustrating start to 2026 with Aston Martin and Honda making a torrid start to their new works partnership.<\/p>\n<p>The Spaniard has reached the chequered flag just once in the opening three races, finishing a lap down in 18th at the recent Japanese Grand Prix.<\/p>\n<p>Alonso is out of contract at the end of the year and it remains to be seen whether he will continue in F1, or call time on his legendary career.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/f1\/news\/1092918\/1\/bizarre-story-how-fernando-alonso-nearly-ended-popes-chauffeur&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1399757_hires_1.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] The bizarre story of how Fernando Alonso nearly ended up as the Pope&#8217;s chauffeur A truly bizarre story about Fernando Alonso and the Pope has been revealed. Lewis Larkam 08 Apr 2026 Share Alonso is Spain&#8217;s most successful F1 driver Add as a preferred source A remarkable turn of events could have [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-1873477","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1873477","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1873477"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1873477\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1873477"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1873477"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1873477"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}