P1racenews AI automatic summary:
It has been revealed that Fernando Alonso was once considered for an unexpected role far from Formula 1 — driving the Pope.
It has been revealed that Fernando Alonso was once considered for an unexpected role far from Formula 1 — driving the Pope during Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to Spain in August 2011. The idea emerged with the proposal from Yago de la Cierva, coordinator of papal trips in Spain at the time. Unfortunately, the plan did not progress far, with official security personnel ultimately driving the Popemobile according to standard protocol. Despite the rejection, Alonso’s schedule could have allowed it as Formula 1 was on a summer break during the Pope’s visit. At the time, Alonso was in his fourth season with Ferrari, being Spain’s most successful F1 driver with two world titles and 32 career wins. Currently facing an uncertain future at 44 years old with Aston Martin, questions arise about his next move as his contract expires at the end of the year.
