Fernando Alonso has already had an impressive career as a Formula 1 driver so far, but a special milestone could almost have been added in 2011. During the preparations for Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to the two-time world champion’s home country, the Spaniard was mentioned as a possible driver of the popemobile: ‘But the authorities then shouted from the rooftops: “Absolutely not!”.’
Read more Kimi Antonelli sees threat from Ferrari: ‘Will definitely get closer to us soon’
With his two world titles, Fernando Alonso is the most successful Spanish Formula 1 driver in the history of motorsport. It is therefore no surprise that many fans of the driver would love to meet him. Let alone want to be driven around by the Spaniard. The latter almost happened for a very special name during a visit to Spain in 2011: Pope Benedict XVI.
Alonso as the Pope’s driver?
Yago de la Cierva – then coordinator for the Pope’s visits to Spain – reveals how fifteen years ago the suggestion was made to have Fernando Alonso drive the popemobile. The Spanish world champion was mentioned in an interview by De la Cierva with Omnes. “During every papal trip there are always surprises,” says the coordinator. “In 2011, for example, we had a meeting with 200 security authorities. We wanted Fernando Alonso to drive the popemobile then, but they shouted from the rooftops: ‘absolutely not!’”
Read more Piastri opens up: ‘Feel more at ease than during my debut year’
“I defended the plan then and said: ‘I think he knows how to drive, the Pope will really not be in danger’,” De la Cierva continues. Still, the authorities were not impressed. “They said: ‘No, it must be a national police officer’, so it happened.”
Read more Mekies sees ‘burning desire’ at Red Bull to return: ‘They are in attack mode’
Read everything about the Miami GP here
