What is the future of the Barcelona Formula 1 circuit?
With the announcement of the Spanish Grand Prix taking place in Madrid from 2026, the future of the Circuit de Catalunya is now uncertain. According to Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1 can still stay in Barcelona in the future.
The Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona has been on the Formula 1 calendar since 1991. With the city of Madrid signing an agreement to host the Spanish Grand Prix starting from 2026, questions arise about the future of the race in Barcelona.
Stefano Domenicali, the president of F1, was keen to express that Madrid joining the calendar does not mean the end of Barcelona’s presence in it. Especially since Formula 1 is experiencing a resurgence of popularity in Spain, with currently two Spanish drivers on the grid, and not just any drivers. Fernando Alonso, a double world champion and driver for Aston Martin, and Carlos Sainz, a double Grand Prix winner with Ferrari.
« To avoid any doubt and to clarify the situation, the fact that we are in Madrid does not exclude the possibility that we may stay in Barcelona in the future »,” he announced.
Looking ahead, discussions are underway to see if we can truly expand our collaboration with Barcelona, with whom we have a very good relationship, for the future.
“The Spain was a market that, just a few years ago, was not at the center of our concerns,” admitted Domenicali. “Now, it is very important. We have signed a new agreement with the Spanish broadcaster DAZN until, for now, the end of 2026.”
« It’s a nice problem to have, to have several cities, some in the same country, wanting to host a Grand Prix. This shows the value of our proposition. But we must remain focused on the reason for our success and make sure not to be complacent, (he) concluded.
A potential “Grand Prix of Europe”?
There is now only one thing left to know, and that’s only if Barcelona remains on the calendar after 2026, under what name this Grand Prix will be contested. The first possibility: like in the United States, name the Grand Prix after the city, which would be “Barcelona Grand Prix.”
Second possibility: like with Imola this year, name the GP after the name of the region, which would be “Catalunya Grand Prix”.
Finally, the third and final option, which has not appeared on the F1 calendar since 2016: bringing back the “European Grand Prix”, which took place in the past in Baku, Valencia (in Spain already), or even at the Nürburgring.
This statement from the president of Formula 1 has cast doubt on the future of the Circuit de Catalunya, which, for now, has its contract with Formula 1 set to expire in 2026.
