As the Formula 1 world digests the news about Madrid’s new city race set to debut in 2026, a Barcelona politician remains steadfast in his belief that the Circuit de Catalunya will continue to feature on the F1 calendar. While Madrid’s event is poised to take over the Spanish Grand Prix title, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has not dismissed the possibility of a renewed contract for Barcelona.
However, securing such a deal could prove costly. Spanish media report that Madrid’s annual fee for its F1 race is a whopping EUR 60 million, significantly higher than Barcelona’s current rate. The Madrid GP’s financial muscle is bolstered by the likes of billionaire Stephen Ross, the force behind the Miami GP, Hard Rock Stadium, and the Miami Dolphins. Additionally, Carlos Slim, a long-time backer of Sergio Perez’s career, is also linked to Madrid’s F1 funding.
Amidst these developments, Roger Torrent, Catalonia’s business minister, expressed optimism about Barcelona’s F1 prospects in an interview with Catalan radio RAC1. “I am convinced that there will be a renewal of the contract,” he affirmed. “We have an excellent relationship with Formula 1 and we are working on that basis. We will have two fantastic grands prix,” Torrent added, envisioning a bright future for F1 in Spain.
When questioned about the potential loss of the ‘Spanish GP’ title, Torrent downplayed its significance: “For us, the name is not important.” He also indicated Catalonia’s readiness for a long-term contract akin to Madrid’s ten-year deal. “For us, the longer the better,” he said.
Torrent acknowledged the heightened competition and pressure brought about by Madrid’s lucrative deal but remained confident in Barcelona’s standing with F1. “There is a lot of pressure in general and a lot of competitiveness,” he noted, “but Formula 1 is comfortable with us. And we don’t pay attention to others.”
Addressing the rumored EUR 60 million deal for Madrid, Torrent was realistic about Barcelona’s position. “We know where we are and we know where we can go,” he said, emphasizing ongoing modernizations to make the Circuit de Catalunya one of the world’s premier permanent circuits. “We are talking (with F1). We have been talking for a long time, but we follow our own rhythm. The relationship between Formula 1 and Catalonia will be decided only by Formula 1 and Catalonia. There is no element that makes us go faster or puts us under more pressure.”
Torrent ended on a confident note: “In 2024 we will have a grand prix and as Domenicali himself has recognised, our excellent relationship is the basis that makes us work on the renewal that I am convinced will occur.”
