ALONSO EXPECTS THIS WEEKEND WILL BE HIS FINAL F1 APPEARANCE IN BARCELONA

Fernando Alonso anticipates this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix will mark his final Formula 1 race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The Aston Martin driver, who turns 45 this year, sees his current contract expiring at season's end, and F1 isn't scheduled to return to Barcelona until 2028. Alonso declared it a "special weekend" and a chance to "say thanks to everyone" for his 23rd home Grand Prix.

Despite scoring Aston Martin's first point in Monaco, Alonso holds low expectations for Barcelona. He doesn't believe the team has suddenly found competitiveness, stating he won't be "too long in the car in qualifying." He hopes for a more competitive race pace but acknowledges it likely won't be "the pace that we all want." Alonso fondly remembers his 2013 victory and his first home win in 2006 at the track, describing those moments as magical. He aims to enjoy this final appearance at a circuit holding so many personal career milestones.