Despite the emergence of Madrid as the new protagonist city of the official Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix starting in 2026, Barcelona is not moving away from the great F1 stage. 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 future in F1 beyond 2026.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has left the door open to the possibility of Madrid and Barcelona sharing the spotlight on future F1 calendars. This possible double hosting agreement is precisely the result that Roger Torrent, Minister of Business and Labor of Catalonia, is seeking. Torrent, who also runs the Circuit de Catalunya, shared on TV3, the local broadcaster, that negotiations with Formula 1 are "well focused and continue to move forward."
Torrent is optimistic and believes that this year's Spanish Grand Prix will set a new standard of excellence and states that it will be โthe best ever organized in Catalonia.โ He is convinced that this year's event will play a crucial role in ongoing discussions about the future of the circuit in F1. He highlighted the current renovations of the circuit as a testament to his ambition, stating: โThe circuit is undergoing spectacular works, with a very significant investment to adapt it to the 21st century and turn it into the best permanent track in the world.โ
Torrent reflected on the importance of the renewal agreement for five years and until 2026, highlighting that it has allowed the implementation of a strategic plan and the modernization of the circuit facilities. With three more Grands Prix under this agreement, he is confident that the upcoming June event will surpass all previous records, calling it "the best in the circuit's history."
He highlighted the collaborative efforts with local authorities and institutions aimed at ensuring that F1 continues to have a presence โfor many more years in Barcelona.โ Torrent concluded by highlighting the positive reception of both Formula 1 and MotoGP towards Catalonia and Barcelona's role as host of these prestigious racing events, indicating a unified front in the city's bid to secure its position as a leading destination in motor racing.
GMM
