Speculation ramps up over future of HISTORIC F1 track

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton talking in Spain — Photo: © LAT Images

Spanish Grand Prix

Speculation ramps up over future of HISTORIC F1 track

This would send shockwaves around the world of F1 if it were to happen

Chris Deeley

Thursday 18 January 2024 02:57

New reports in Spain have cast doubt on Barcelona's future hosting the Spanish Grand Prix, with speculation having mounted for much of last year .

Madrid is expected to be the replacement destination if the race leaves the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya when its contract runs out after 2026, with talks of another street circuit joining the calendar.

Some reports have even claimed that an announcement could be made as soon as next week, with a long lead-in time required for any new circuit.

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Although there is nothing stopping multiple races taking place in the same country – particularly when there are three in the United States (Austin, Miami and now Las Vegas) – F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has cast doubts over whether the same privilege will be afforded to Spain.

Lewis Hamilton (L), Max Verstappen (M) and George Russell (R) celebrate on the podium after the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix

Yet doubts remain over the future of Barcelona as the host city for the Spanish Grand Prix

Sergio Perez got behind the wheel of the RB7 in the streets of Madrid last summer

F1 set for a Madrid Grand Prix?

"We are happy with Barcelona and it is true that Madrid wants a race, so we will see, all this is good for F1."

Yet Carmelo Sanz de Barros, the president of the FIA Senate (who oversee the financial, commercial affairs and general management of the FIA) has suggested otherwise.

“As a Spaniard, born in Madrid, I want F1 in Madrid again, it is clear,” he told Spanish outlet AS. “As president of RACE, the last one was in 1981 [in Jarama, the eastern edge of the Spanish capital] so having F1 in Madrid again is the wish of many people.

“Is it possible to have two races? Yes, why not? We have three in the United States and two in Italy. There have been before.”

With no official news as yet announced over the future of the Spanish Grand Prix and whether or not multiple races could be held in Spain – there will be a nervous wait for both both Barcelona and Madrid in their bid to keep hold of and host an F1 race respectively.

Stefano Domenicali Barcelona Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya