How Fernando Alonso Nearly Drove the Popemobile

In a bizarre and almost unbelievable slice of Formula 1 history, Fernando Alonso was once seriously proposed to drive the Pope's official vehicle, the Popemobile, during a 2011 papal visit to Spain. The idea was swiftly and emphatically vetoed by security officials, who insisted only a trained police officer could take the wheel.

Why it matters:

This anecdote highlights the unique intersection of global celebrity, motorsport, and high-stakes protocol. It underscores how even a two-time F1 World Champion's unparalleled driving skills are secondary to rigid security procedures when it comes to protecting one of the world's most high-profile figures. The incident also adds a humorous and humanizing layer to Alonso's legendary career.

The details:

• The proposal emerged during planning for Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Madrid for World Youth Day in 2011.
• Yago de la Cierva, a coordinator for the event, revealed the story, explaining that the suggestion was made in a meeting with around 200 security officials.
• The rationale was straightforward: Alonso, a professional racing driver, would be supremely capable and pose no danger to the Pope.
• The reaction from authorities was immediate and fierce. De la Cierva recalled, "They shouted to the skies... They were furious. They told us: absolutely not!"
• Despite arguments for Alonso's competence, officials stood firm, declaring the driver must be a police officer. De la Cierva paraphrased their response: "I told them that Fernando probably knew how to drive a car. The Pope wouldn’t be in danger. They told me it had to be a police officer driving the car."

What's next:

While Alonso never got to pilot the unique vehicle, the story remains a memorable footnote in F1 folklore. For Alonso, his driving duties remain firmly in the cockpit of an Aston Martin F1 car as he continues to compete at the highest level. The tale serves as a permanent reminder that some jobs, no matter how qualified you are, will always have non-negotiable requirements. Perhaps it's for the best—imagine the team radio messages if he got stuck behind a slow-moving procession.