Football manager Jose Mourinho has praised Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s Formula 1 title pursuit as ‘incredible’ during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend in Madrid. Mourinho also commended Fernando Alonso’s enduring presence and performance in the sport.
Antonelli, driving for Mercedes in his debut 2026 season, currently leads the Drivers’ Championship by 66 points over teammate George Russell. This follows his seventh victory of the season at his home Italian Grand Prix earlier this month.
At the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madring circuit, Antonelli secured a second-place grid slot. Russell qualified sixth, positioning Antonelli to potentially extend his championship advantage further.
Mourinho, a known Formula 1 enthusiast, expressed his admiration for Alonso. He noted Alonso’s ability to perform at a high level despite not having a car capable of winning races or consistently scoring points.
‘But without having a car to win, and practically without having a car for points, I’m also friends with Fernando [Alonso]. I really like Fernando’s personality. I really like that he’s a guy who is always among the best, even if they give him a car that isn’t good.’
Alonso’s contract with Aston Martin is set to conclude at the end of the 2026 season. His future beyond this year remains a subject of discussion within the paddock.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has publicly stated his desire for Alonso to remain in Formula 1. Ben Sulayem has engaged in discussions with Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll regarding Alonso’s future.
These talks include potential rule concessions to assist Honda, Aston Martin’s engine supplier, for the 2027 season. This initiative aims to provide Alonso with a more competitive package.
Alonso has scored three points from 13 races this season, with his best result being a ninth-place finish at the Dutch Grand Prix. He is evaluating options, including retirement or a non-driving role.
The comments from Mourinho were made during the build-up to the Spanish Grand Prix, held at the new 5.414-kilometer Madring circuit in Madrid. This event marks the circuit’s debut on the F1 calendar.
The Madring circuit, featuring 22 corners, is a hybrid street circuit built around the IFEMA Exhibition Centre. It replaces the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya as the host of the Spanish Grand Prix.
Mourinho has a history of attending Formula 1 events, including the 2025 British Grand Prix where he presented the pole position award to Max Verstappen.
