Spanish Formula One driver Fernando Alonso is set to retire from the sport by the end of 2027, if not before.
This is the last Barcelona race until 2028 given it will rotate with Spa in Belgium from next year. The double world champion, 44, does not think he will be back for in two years' time.
"It’s going to be a special weekend. This is probably my last Barcelona race in Formula One, so I want to say thanks to everyone," the Aston Martin driver told a press conference on Thursday ahead of this weekend's grand prix.
"It has always been a celebration when we come to Barcelona. I think this is my 23rd Grand Prix [here] and all of them have been magical. This last has to be magical as well."
His car has struggled so far this season and the 44-year-old is 18th in the standings with one point from six grand prix weekends.
"I will try to enjoy the weekend. I will not be competitive and I will not be too long in the car in qualifying – in the race, hopefully yes, but not at the pace that we all want. I want everyone to still enjoy the weekend," he remarked.
His contract runs until the end of the season and this could still be his last year in F1.
Alonso's last of 32 wins was way back in 2013 with Ferrari on the Barcelona track. He won the 2005 and 2006 titles with Renault having debuted in F1 in 2001.
