Whereas Barcelona technically has a contract to host a System 1 race subsequent season, this weekend’s grand prix is being handled as a swansong by many with Madrid set to hitch the calendar from 2026.
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has performed host to the since relocating from Jerez in 1991 and has turn into a agency favorite for groups, who’ve racked up hours of testing time round its 14 corners.
Commercial
Nonetheless, with F1 bosses pushing for extra funding in infrastructure and site visitors administration, specifically, falling on deaf ears, they’ve elected to enroll Madrid as an alternative, with Spain’s capital set to host .
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 12 months, when Barcelona continues 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 12 months – 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 has twice received his house race and maintains that Barcelona will maintain its place.
Commercial
“I don’t suppose that we are going to lose Barcelona. In order that’s my opinion and my want as nicely,” the Aston Martin driver mentioned.
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin RacingZak Mauger / Motorsport Pictures through Getty Pictures
Zak Mauger / Motorsport Pictures through Getty Pictures
“I believe it is good to have new venues. It’s good to have new international locations as nicely that System 1 has moved to within the final decade. However on the identical time, we have to maintain some conventional circuits the place the historical past of System 1 has been written and made.
“I believe System 1 and Barcelona are very linked. We have been testing right here for many years. I believe all of the groups select Barcelona once they have to decide on one take a look at observe. We come again subsequent 12 months right here in winter as a result of we’ve new rules, new vehicles, and once more, as soon as once more, the groups selected Barcelona as a result of it is the System 1 observe in a method.
Commercial
“I believe the circuit has made some modifications to make it as much as System 1 requirements. So within the final two or three years, all of the paddock amenities, the grandstands, the whole lot has taken a brand new degree. And Barcelona has been right here for the final two or three many years, and Barcelona shall be right here for the subsequent 10, 20, 30, 40 years.
“And among the venues shall be simply momentarily on the calendar after which in all probability they’ll disappear once more. So, we can’t lose Barcelona.”
Reigning world champion is certainly one of solely two drivers to win in Barcelona up to now 9 years and took his maiden F1 win there in his first race for Pink Bull in 2016. He believes it will be a disgrace to see the race drop off the calendar.
“I believe for F1 normally, it will be a little bit of a loss, after all, if this observe goes. Particularly, I believe, for the drivers. However I believe even the fan expertise is good,” he mentioned.
Making ready for the ‘Madring’
Madring format for System 1’s Spanish Grand Prix
Madring format for System 1’s Spanish Grand Prix
Commercial
Organisers confirmed that the 2026 F1 Spanish Grand Prix shall be held over 57 laps of the 5.4-kilometre, 22-turn Madring circuit, having additionally introduced 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 format. From the beginning line there shall 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.
was born in Madrid and has turn into 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 shall 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 help the circuit, the neighborhood, and make it one of the best it may be,” he mentioned.
Commercial
“I’m actually wanting ahead to it as a result of I consider Madrid has big potential as a metropolis, and I believe increasingly individuals all over the world are realising how fortunate we’re to have a metropolis like Madrid. I consider it’s going to be successful.”
Learn Additionally:
To learn extra Motorsport.com articles .
