Whereas Barcelona technically has a contract to host a Method 1 race subsequent season, this weekend’s grand prix is being handled as a swansong by many with Madrid set to affix the calendar from 2026.
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has performed host to the Spanish Grand Prix since relocating from Jerez in 1991 and has turn out to be a agency favorite for groups, who’ve racked up hours of testing time round its 14 corners.
Nonetheless, with F1 bosses pushing for extra funding in infrastructure and visitors administration, particularly, falling on deaf ears, they’ve elected to enroll Madrid as an alternative, with Spain’s capital set to host a road circuit race across the ‘Madring’.
Not since 1981 has Madrid been a vacation spot on the F1 calendar, with the brand new circuit signing a deal till 2035 – though it is because of come into impact from subsequent yr, when Barcelona remains to be additionally slated to host a race.
It’s unlikely, given the packed schedule and with nations queuing up for a race, that each Spanish cities will stage grand prix in the identical yr – however not like Imola, which hosted its final race for the foreseeable future a fortnight in the past – two key drivers appear to be extra eager to stay in Catalonia.
Two-time F1 world champion Fernando Alonso has twice received his house race and maintains that Barcelona will preserve its place.
“I don’t assume that we’ll lose Barcelona. In order that’s my opinion and my want as nicely,” the Aston Martin driver mentioned.
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing
Photograph by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Photos by way of Getty Photos
“I feel it is good to have new venues. It’s good to have new international locations as nicely that Method 1 has moved to within the final decade. However on the similar time, we have to preserve some conventional circuits the place the historical past of Method 1 has been written and made.
“I feel Method 1 and Barcelona are very linked. We have been testing right here for many years. I feel all of the groups select Barcelona after they have to decide on one take a look at observe. We come again subsequent yr right here in winter as a result of we have now new rules, new vehicles, and once more, as soon as once more, the groups selected Barcelona as a result of it is the Method 1 observe in a means.
“I feel the circuit has made some modifications to make it as much as Method 1 requirements. So within the final two or three years, all of the paddock amenities, the grandstands, every part has taken a brand new degree. And Barcelona has been right here for the final two or three a long time, and Barcelona will likely be right here for the subsequent 10, 20, 30, 40 years.
“And a few of the venues will likely be simply momentarily on the calendar after which in all probability they may disappear once more. So, we can not lose Barcelona.”
Reigning world champion Max Verstappen is one among solely two drivers to win in Barcelona up to now 9 years and took his maiden F1 win there in his first race for Crimson Bull in 2016. He believes it might be a disgrace to see the race drop off the calendar.
“I feel for F1 normally, it might be a little bit of a loss, after all, if this observe goes. Particularly, I feel, for the drivers. However I feel even the fan expertise is good,” he mentioned.
Getting ready for the ‘Madring’
Madring structure for Method 1’s Spanish Grand Prix
Organisers confirmed that the 2026 F1 Spanish Grand Prix will likely be held over 57 laps of the 5.4-kilometre, 22-turn Madring circuit, having additionally offered an onboard lap of the digital model.
The Madring circuit, with quite a few nods to the historical past of Madrid and Spain, will begin with a 589-metre straight, the second longest of the complete structure. From the beginning line there will likely be a 202-metre dash to Flip 1, however in racing circumstances Flip 1s and a couple of are anticipated to yield some overtaking alternatives as vehicles decelerate from 320kph to 100kph for the primary chicane.
Carlos Sainz was born in Madrid and has turn out to be an envoy for the brand new race so there was no shock when he spoke of his pleasure and the way he believes the race will likely be a “success” in his hometown.
“I am the ambassador – they made me ambassador for the Grand Prix, and I’m going to attempt to assist the circuit, the group, and make it one of the best it may be,” he mentioned.
“I’m actually wanting ahead to it as a result of I imagine Madrid has large potential as a metropolis, and I feel an increasing number of folks around the globe are realising how fortunate we’re to have a metropolis like Madrid. I imagine it’s going to be successful.”
Learn Additionally:
On this article
Mark Mann-Bryans
Method 1
Be the primary to know and subscribe for real-time information electronic mail updates on these matters
Subscribe to information alerts
