Alonso: I have a special connection with the Barcelona circuit.

      Fernando Alonso on the home stage, track features and working with Adrian Newey…

      Q: This weekend is not an ordinary one: you recently became the official ambassador of the circuit in Barcelona. How do you feel?Fernando Alonso: I am very happy to become an ambassador of the track. Barcelona has been supportive of me since my first years in Formula 1, and I've enjoyed winning on this circuit more than once.

      I have amazing memories of racing in Barcelona, of the jubilation of the fans – I have a special connection with this place. I hope I can pass this feeling on to the next generation and help further the development of Spanish sports.

      For me, the Spanish Grand Prix is a special moment of the season. Racing on your home track, hearing the fans chant your name – it's impossible to get used to it. It is a great honor for me to come back here every year and perform in front of them. The atmosphere here is simply amazing, and their support adds strength to you.

      With the increasing popularity of Formula 1 around the world, the excitement around this race has become even greater. It is now one of the most popular European races.

      Q: How do you rate this season?Fernando Alonso: It's not been easy for us so far, we haven't achieved the results we expected, but there have been some positive moments, especially in the last two races.

      Qualifying in the top ten in Imola and Monaco shows that the recent AMR25 upgrades have improved our pace on a fast lap. We were just unlucky on Sunday, in the first race because of the VSC mode, and in the second because of car problems. Hopefully, the situation will change soon, and we will be able to translate the speed boost into points at the finish line. I'm looking forward to getting back behind the wheel. Let's see what happens this weekend.

      Q: The Barcelona circuit is very familiar to the drivers. What are its main difficulties?Fernando Alonso: This track allows you to thoroughly study all aspects of the car's operation, which is why it has been used for testing for many years. There are long straights, fast turns, and a few slow stretches – all of which pose a number of challenges for the car to deal with.

      Long turns require effective aerodynamics, and it is necessary to control the performance of the tires, which is difficult due to the fast turns and the usually high temperature of the asphalt.

      Q: Adrian Newey was with the team for the first time at the Monaco Grand Prix. Were you able to communicate?Fernando Alonso: Yes, we talked more than once during the weekend, it's great to see him on the track with us in the green uniform of the team.

      I have spoken to him several times since his arrival at the base, and it is very pleasant that he is working with the team and helping us on our way. A few weeks ago, Lance and I had a briefing with him at the AMR technology campus, and he talked about what he thinks about the 2026 car.

      It's great to have Adrian with us. He had a huge impact on our sport, and now we are working together. I've been close to this in the past and I'm glad it finally happened.