Why Fernando Alonso was denied driving the Popemobile

Even a two-time Formula 1 World Champion has his limits. A newly surfaced story reveals that Fernando Alonso, despite his legendary status in Spain, was once flatly refused the opportunity to drive the Pope's vehicle during a 2011 visit to Madrid, with Vatican security insisting on a police officer for the job.

Why it matters:

This amusing anecdote highlights the fascinating intersection of global sports stardom and rigid institutional protocol. It underscores that even a driver of Alonso's caliber and national hero status cannot override the stringent security measures of one of the world's oldest institutions, offering a rare and humanizing glimpse into the requests that don't make it past the drawing board.

The details:

• The proposal emerged in 2011 ahead of Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Madrid for World Youth Day, which coincided with the F1 summer break.
• Event organizers saw Alonso as the perfect "designated driver," leveraging his fame and unparalleled skill to navigate the Spanish capital's crowds.
• Yago de la Cierva, the trip coordinator, personally pitched the idea to Vatican security, arguing that Alonso demonstrably "knows how to drive."
• The Vatican's response was reportedly one of outrage and an immediate, firm rejection. Security officials were unmoved by Alonso's world championships or his recent win at that year's British Grand Prix.
• The role was instead given to a Spanish national police officer, adhering to standard security protocol over a celebrity PR opportunity.

The big picture:

While Alonso has driven virtually every type of racing car on the planet, the Popemobile remains one vehicle forever out of his reach. The story has resurfaced as a delightful footnote in his storied career, a "what if" moment that amuses fans and illustrates that not every door opens, even for Fernando Alonso. It remains a testament to the fact that in some realms, protocol and tradition will always trump star power and racing pedigree.