Fernando Alonso says he isn't certain he'll still be racing in Formula 1 even if the Circuit de Catalunya secures a new deal with the sport.
With Madrid preparing to take over the Spanish Grand Prix title from 2026, the future of Barcelona's long-standing race is increasingly uncertain.
The current contract expires after next year, potentially making the 2026 edition its last appearance on the F1 calendar.
This week, Ignasi Armengol - now now leading the track's operations under the revamped Fira Circuit banner - declined to confirm whether a contract renewal announcement might be imminent.
"The truth is, I can't answer," he said. "I don't know the exact stage of the negotiations right now."
While the political and commercial talks remain murky, Alonso was this week officially appointed as the face of the circuit, becoming its main ambassador. And the two-time world champion didn't hide his hopes for a renewed, long-term agreement.
"It's true that it would mean two grands prix in Spain, but the circuit has been there for the last two or three decades and will continue to be there for the next three, four, five decades," said the Aston Martin driver.
"The other circuit is perhaps more temporary, right? But I think it's important for Spain to have long-term stability."
Still, Alonso admits there's a real possibility that next year's Barcelona race could be his last appearance at the track as an F1 driver.
"I don't know if I'll race in 2027," the 43-year-old confessed. "Right now, I only have a contract for 2026.
"I'll decide next year. But I hope the circuit continues, which I'm sure it will."
