Motorsport
Barcelona fights for F1 location after Madrid announcement
From 2026, Madrid will be an integral part of the Formula 1 calendar. photo
© Joan Monfort/AP/dpa
Now the government is also getting involved. In addition to Madrid, Spain also wants to keep Barcelona as a Formula 1 location. Just like there were once two races in Germany.
After the announcement of a Grand Prix in Madrid from 2026, Spain is hoping for Formula 1 heydays like once in Germany, with even two races in the country permanently. The fight to stay in the top class of motorsport extends into the highest political circles, including on the course Barcelona.
At a meeting with Formula 1 managing director Stefano Domenicali, the minister responsible for sport, Pilar Alegría, confirmed the government’s interest in two races in Spain. In a statement, the responsible ministry cited Spain itself as an example, as well as countries such as Italy, the USA and Germany.
Hoping to stay in Barcelona
While Italy is again represented in the racing calendar for this year with two races – Imola and Monza – and in the USA there are even three races – Miami, Austin and Las Vegas -, Germany no longer plays a role in the planning. The last Grand Prix to date at the Hockenheimring took place in 2019; due to the corona pandemic, there was another comeback at the Nürburgring in 2020.
In Spain, where races were also held in Valencia from 2008 to 2012, they hope that, in addition to the race in the capital Madrid, the Grand Prix can also be retained on the circuit near Barcelona from 2026. The contract with the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Montmeló is valid until 2026.
For many years, test drives were also carried out on the track before the start of the season because the track was considered an ideal indicator for many tracks in the racing calendar. This year the new cars will also be tested again in Bahrain, where the season with a total of 24 Grand Prix will start on March 2nd.
When announcing the Grand Prix in Madrid with a contract up to and including 2035, Domenicali assured, according to the Spanish sports newspaper “As”, that a coexistence of both tracks in the racing calendar was possible. “Why not?” the 58-year-old Italian was quoted as saying.