Alonso fires up three of Senna's legendary F1 cars at Barcelona before potential final home Grand Prix

On show at Barcelona was an assortment of F1, DTM and GT machinery, but the stars of the show were Senna's 1984 Toleman and a McLaren from his championship years. The last of Senna's cars that Alonso took for a spin was the Rothmans Williams Renault FW16, the final F1 car Senna ever drove before his death at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. Alonso also brought out his own 2007 McLaren MP4-22 and the Adrian Newey-designed Aston Martin Valkyrie.

Alonso's collection is valued at an estimated £32 million, but the Spaniard clearly treats these cars as more than static exhibits. Writing on social media after the session, he explained his philosophy.

Of all the cars Alonso brought to Barcelona, the Williams FW16 carries the deepest emotional weight. On 1 May 1994, Senna was killed after his car crashed into a concrete barrier while he was leading the San Marino Grand Prix at the Imola Circuit in Italy.

That Alonso, who is yet to confirm whether he will remain with Aston Martin beyond the current season, chose to drive that very car on a Spanish circuit in the same week as a race that could mark the end of his own time racing at home gives the outing a significance that goes well beyond a routine run.

The 45-year-old's contract with Aston Martin expires at the end of the 2026 season, leaving his future firmly in his own hands. As previously reported on this site, the two-time world champion has not closed the door on racing beyond this year but has given no firm indication either way. Alonso has ruled out making any retirement announcement during the Spanish GP weekend at the brand-new Madring circuit.

The Madring layout marks Formula 1's return to the Spanish capital after a gap of more than 40 years. With Barcelona no longer hosting the Spanish Grand Prix every season and Alonso's deal running out in a matter of months, this weekend's race in Madrid could be his final F1 outing on home soil.

His midweek session at Barcelona, with Senna's cars echoing through a circuit steeped in its own F1 history, may prove to be a fitting quiet farewell to the track that hosted his formative years in the sport.