The Spanish Grand Prix has been hosted in Barcelona since 1991, however it may move to Madrid’s IFEMA Exhibition Center as early as 2025 if plans are approved.
The Formula 1 calendar has included the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for the past 32 years. However, given how closely related Madrid is to being the new venue for the Spanish Grand Prix, that could soon change.
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has finally been restored to its former grandeur after getting rid of the disregarded, flimsy chicane that has been in place for 16 years, which has sparked mixed reactions from drivers.
When speaking at the F1 Exhibition in Madrid in March, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali made a suggestion that the city should host a race.
“They are working to bring a race here and F1 is delighted to have so many contenders, because this way we become more and more popular,” Domenicali said.
Barcelona’s F1 deal is expected to come to an end in 2026. Only four circuits have hosted an F1 race every year since 1991: Silverstone in the UK, Monza in Italy, the Hungaroring in Hungary, and the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Losing Barcelona would mean switching to another street location, with the number of such venues rising in recent seasons, rather than a high-speed permanent racing circuit. Spain previously staged two races in Barcelona and at the Valencia Street Circuit from 2008 to 2012.
The fact that there are more public transportation choices to get to the arena works in Madrid’s advantage, especially for Formula 1, and will support its 2030 Net Carbon Zero goals. The fact that Barcelona is not well known for hosting spectacular races is another factor.
Meanwhile, Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium will receive a one-year contract extension to host the Belgian Grand Prix due to the cancellation of plans to return to South Africa in 2024.
