Fernando Alonso plants tree as part of sustainability efforts at Barcelona-Catalunya Circuit

Two-time Formula 1 champion Fernando Alonso has personally contributed to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya's sustainability drive by planting a holm oak tree at the track's historic Masia de la Moreneta estate. The circuit hailed its ambassador for "helping to keep the Circuit alive" as part of a broader reforestation project that has seen over 200 trees planted across the facility.

Why it matters:

This initiative highlights the growing intersection between motorsport and environmental responsibility, a critical area for the sport's future. With the Spanish Grand Prix set to move to Madrid after 2025, the Barcelona circuit is actively working to secure its long-term relevance and legacy, transforming its identity beyond just a race venue. Alonso's direct involvement leverages his iconic status to amplify the message of sustainability to a global fanbase.

The details:

• Alonso's tree planting is part of a larger environmental project that has added more than 200 trees across 16 different zones of the circuit and the adjacent Can Cabanyes Park in Montmeló.
• The species planted include stone pines, hackberries, holm oaks, and oaks, chosen for their suitability to the local climate.
• Circuit organizers estimate the new trees will capture approximately 200 tonnes of CO2 over the next 30 years. This environmental impact is equivalent to the emissions from a car driving 850,000 kilometers or the combustion of 90,000 liters of petrol.
• Alonso was officially appointed as an ambassador for the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in May 2025, calling the role an "honour and a privilege."

The big picture:

For Alonso, the circuit holds profound personal and professional significance. He identified it as the track where he first tested a single-seater car while still in karting and estimates he has driven more laps there than at any other circuit in his life, through F1 pre-season testing, races, and other events. His ambassadorship and this sustainability project serve as a bridge connecting the circuit's storied past with a more eco-conscious future, especially as it prepares for a post-Grand Prix era. The 2026 Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix is scheduled for June 12-14, marking one of the final F1 races at the venue under the current calendar.

What's next:

The circuit's focus on sustainability and creating a multi-purpose venue will be key to its survival after the Spanish Grand Prix departs for Madrid. Initiatives like this reforestation project, championed by figures like Alonso, are central to building a new legacy. The success of these efforts will determine whether the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya remains a vibrant hub for motorsport and other events long after the F1 circus has moved on.