On 6 July 1801 she fought in the Battle of Algeciras under Captain Landais Lalonde, who was killed in the action.

She allowed Venerable catch up and took her under heavy fire, leaving her dismasted and in danger of sinking.

The rest of the British squadron had to come to aid Venerable, allowing Formidable to escape to Cádiz, acclaimed by the population.

The fleet captured Diamond Rock from the British, but Villeneuve returned to Europe on hearing that Horatio Nelson had arrived in the West Indies.

On 4 November 1805 at the Battle of Cape Ortegal, Admiral Sir Richard Strachan, with Caesar, Hero, Courageux, Namur and four frigates, defeated and captured what remained of the squadron.