Excitement is reaching its peak as the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix gets underway, with a farewell message from Fernando Alonso

The FORMULA 1 MSC CRUISES GRAN PREMIO DE BARCELONA-CATALUNYA 2026 is now underway. Although the on-track action does not begin until tomorrow, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has already experienced a busy opening day, marked by the drivers’ first appearances and some of the events that fans were most looking forward to.

One of the day’s main protagonists was Fernando Alonso. The Spanish driver, born in Asturias, an ambassador for the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, acknowledged the difficulties that Aston Martin is currently facing, though he remains hopeful that the team will continue to improve throughout the season. Alonso, who also recalled some of the most special moments of his sporting career linked to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, offered one of the day’s most emotional reflections when he admitted that this could be his final appearance at the Catalan circuit as a Formula 1 driver.

“This will probably be my last race in Barcelona. I’m sorry to not be competitive, but I hope the fans enjoy it and I’ll give it my best shot too. I’m at peace with my career; this year doesn’t change everything I’ve achieved, which is probably far more than I ever dreamed of,” said the two-time world champion.

Carlos Sainz, for his part, is approaching the weekend with cautious optimism. Having failed to score points in Monaco despite putting in a solid performance, the Madrid-born driver believes the Circuit will pose a tough challenge for Williams, although he is confident of being able to fight for a place in the points and continue to build on the progress the team has shown in recent races.

Another of the day’s standout names was Kimi Antonelli. The World Championship leader arrives in Catalunya after securing a brilliant victory in Monaco, although the Mercedes driver has made it clear that he already has his sights set on the next challenge. “Monaco is in the past,” said the Italian, who believes the Circuit will be a key test to assess the true performance of the latest upgrades introduced by his team. Despite comfortably leading the standings, Antonelli also sought to play down the championship battle and insisted that his main objective remains to focus on his progress and enjoy the moment.

The day also provided an opportunity to hear from other leading names on the grid. Liam Lawson highlighted the progress he has been making this season and said he feels increasingly ready to show his potential, whilst Franco Colapinto explained that both he and his team have managed to find greater consistency since the opening races of the year.

Beyond the press conferences, some fans were able to enjoy two of the weekend’s most exclusive experiences today. During the afternoon, those lucky enough to have access to the Pit Walk had the opportunity to walk down the pit lane and observe the teams’ work in the garages up close before the start of track activity.

Once this experience was over, those attending the Pit Walk and Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya season ticket holders were able to take part in an exclusive Meet & Greet with Fernando Alonso and Pedro Martínez de la Rosa in the Fan Zone located behind the Main Grandstand. The two drivers spent some time mingling with the fans, taking part in various challenges and answering questions from those in attendance. Both were warmly welcomed by a devoted crowd that is already fully immersed in the Grand Prix atmosphere.

With the first activities now complete and the protagonists ready to take on the sporting challenge, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is set to see the start of on-track action tomorrow for a weekend that promises thrills in every category.

The Formula 1® Barcelona Fan Village, pure fun

The Formula 1® Barcelona Fan Village will continue to offer entertainment, music and fun until Saturday 13 June, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. With free admission, visitors simply need to download the invitation from the Circuit’s website to enjoy all this and much more.

A sustainable event

Under the 3C management philosophy (Conscience, Commitment and Consistency), which integrates social, economic and environmental aspects, the Circuit works to achieve responsible activity in its mission ‘Driving for a better future’, within the framework of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.

This GP, which is certified to ISO 20121 and ISO 14001 standards, is once again proud to be held at Catalonia’s largest public self-consumption photovoltaic facility. The Catalan racetrack has a total of 2,319 solar panels that generate 50% of the energy consumed.

Other promoted actions are the rental of low-emission generators, the donation of surplus food, the offer of km0 and ecological food, the presence of drinking water sources in the public areas, the improvement of the biodiversity of the green areas, the collaboration with companies with social value, the valorisation and recycling of waste, the promotion of sustainable mobility, the use of the circular economy and many more.