MONTMELO, Spain — The future of the Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is uncertain, as the presence of Formula 1 in Barcelona is under review. With a history spanning over three decades in northeastern Spain, the race may soon see its conclusion. The current contract for the event is valid through next year, but with the inclusion of a new race scheduled to take place in Madrid in 2026, the long-standing Barcelona race could be in jeopardy.
The modern trend in Formula 1 is to incorporate more urban and temporary circuits. These circuits are often preferred due to their convenience, offering spectators easy access to the services and attractions of vibrant cities. This trend led to Spain’s capital securing its own race on a temporary circuit, further complicating the future of the Barcelona event.
Miquel Sàmper, who presides over the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya as the regional minister for business and labor for Catalonia, emphasized that negotiations with F1 to keep the race on the calendar beyond 2026 are in progress. During a media interaction before the Spanish Grand Prix, he emphasized that while various options are being considered, these discussions need to be handled with caution, as “the best cooking” often takes time and discretion.
Capitalizing on the growing interest, F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali suggested earlier this year that Madrid’s entry doesn’t necessarily mean Barcelona’s exit. Historically, Spain briefly hosted two races when the European Grand Prix took place in Valencia from 2008 to 2012. With the broader expansion F1 is experiencing, particularly in regions like the United States, where there are now three races, it remains uncertain if two Spanish races are feasible. This uncertainty is further amplified by Italy potentially giving up its Imola race to accommodate other global expansions.
The Madrid race is set to become the Spanish Grand Prix, necessitating a rebranding of the Catalonia event. Despite these potential changes, seasoned drivers have shown support for Barcelona. Two-time champion Fernando Alonso vocalized his hopes for the race to remain part of the F1 calendar, reflecting on the balance between introducing new locations and maintaining traditional circuits. Barcelona’s track has witnessed significant F1 history, including Nigel Mansell and Ayrton Senna’s memorable 1991 duel and Max Verstappen’s historic 2016 victory as the youngest race winner at just 18.
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is renowned for its diverse challenges, with high-speed and medium-speed turns providing a benchmark for testing the capabilities of F1 cars. Legendary racers like Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton have celebrated multiple victories on this track. Hamilton, referring to it as a “classic,” remains skeptical about the potential success of a new track in Madrid, highlighting the risks involved in creating new circuits.
However, the circuit does present challenges. Its layout is not ideally suited for overtaking, often limiting exciting race moments to the start. Additionally, although improvements to the circuit’s facilities have been made, accessibility remains a concern. The circuit’s location, perched on a hill overlooking Montmelo, about 30 kilometers north of Barcelona, poses logistical challenges, frequently overwhelming roads and commuter trains with the influx of over 100,000 race day spectators.
Looking ahead, next year might serve as Montmelo’s final stint in hosting F1, bringing an end to an era in one of Spain’s longstanding race venues.