Despite the emergence of Madrid as the new spotlight city for Spain’s official Formula 1 Grand Prix starting from 2026, Barcelona is not stepping back from the grand stage of F1. In a bid to maintain its esteemed place within the sport—a position it has held since 1991—the city is engaging in strategic discussions aimed at securing its F1 future beyond 2026.
F1’s Chief Executive Officer, Stefano Domenicali, has left the door open to the possibility of Madrid and Barcelona sharing the spotlight on future F1 calendars. This potential dual hosting arrangement is precisely the outcome that Roger Torrent, Catalonia’s business and labor minister, is striving towards. Torrent, who also heads the Circuit de Catalunya, shared on TV3, the local broadcaster, that negotiations with Formula 1 are “well focused and continue to move forward.”
Expressing his optimism, Torrent believes that this year’s Spanish Grand Prix will set a new standard for excellence, stating it will be “the best that has ever been organised in Catalonia.” He is convinced that this year’s event will play a crucial role in the ongoing discussions regarding the circuit’s future in F1. He highlighted the circuit’s current renovations as a testament to its ambition, stating, “The circuit is undertaking spectacular works, with a very important investment to adapt it to the 21st century and turn it into the best permanent track in the world.”
Torrent reflected on the significance of the five-year renewal agreement that lasts until 2026, noting that it has enabled the implementation of a strategic plan and the modernization of the circuit’s facilities. With three more Grand Prix to host under this agreement, he is confident that the upcoming event in June will surpass all previous records, dubbing it “the best in the history of the circuit.”
He outlined the collaborative efforts with local authorities and institutions aimed at ensuring that F1 continues to have a presence “for many more years in Barcelona.” Torrent concluded by emphasizing the positive reception from both Formula 1 and MotoGP towards Catalonia and Barcelona’s roles in hosting these prestigious racing events, signaling a unified front in the city’s bid to secure its position as a leading motor racing destination.
GMM
