The Papal Speed Limit: How Security Concerns Blocked Fernando Alonso From Driving the Popemobile

A Spanish executive reveals the 2011 plan to have Fernando Alonso drive the Popemobile and why Vatican security "shouted to the skies" to stop it.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 10, 2026, 3:53 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from PlanetF1

A Fanciful Plan for World Youth Day

The intersection of high-speed motorsport and papal tradition almost became a reality in 2011, according to Yago de la Cierva, a high-ranking Spanish event coordinator. During a recent press conference regarding Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming June 2026 visit to Spain, de la Cierva recounted the ambitious effort to place then-Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso in the driver's seat of the Popemobile during Pope Benedict XVI’s trip to Madrid for World Youth Day. The plan aimed to celebrate Spain's sporting hero alongside the religious festivities, but it was met with immediate resistance from international security experts.

Security Fears Over an F1 Chauffeur

According to de la Cierva, the proposal was presented during a high-level meeting with over 200 security authorities. The idea of a man whose career is defined by pushing vehicles to their absolute limit was a "non-starter" for the Vatican’s protection detail. "They shouted to the skies," de la Cierva recalled. "They were furious. They told us: absolutely not!" Despite his humorous defense—pointing out that an F1 world champion "probably knew how to drive a car" without endangering the Pontiff—security officials were adamant. Protocol dictates that the Popemobile must be operated by a trained police officer, specifically a member of the Vatican Gendarmerie or the host country's security forces, rather than a civilian athlete.

The Contrast with Alonso’s Current Form

The lighthearted anecdote comes at a somber time for the veteran driver, as Alonso continues to battle performance issues with his 2026 Aston Martin. Reflecting on the "Popemobile" story, some fans joked that the heavily armored vehicle might actually offer more reliability than his current Silverstone-built machinery. Alonso admitted during the recent Japanese Grand Prix weekend that Aston Martin is currently "at the back" in terms of performance, struggling to find any satisfaction in being non-competitive.