F1 Rumour: Barcelona To Lose Spanish Grand Prix From 2026 With Huge Ten-Year Contract
The Spanish Grand Prix is set to move to Madrid in 2026, ending Barcelona's long-standing role as the event's host. F1 journalist Joe Saward reports that the new circuit will be built around Madrid's IFEMA convention centre, close to Barajas Airport.
Key Takeaways:
- The Spanish Grand Prix is rumoured to relocate to Madrid by 2026, with a new circuit being developed around the IFEMA convention centre, near Barajas Airport. This marks a major shift in the F1 calendar, as Barcelona has been a regular fixture for many years.
- The proposed Madrid circuit will be a semi-permanent venue, similar in concept to the circuits in Montreal and Melbourne, offering a mix of permanent track and street circuit features.
The reported decision to shift the Spanish Grand Prix to Madrid comes amid a growing preference for street or city races in Formula 1. Recent additions to the F1 calendar, such as the races in Saudi Arabia, Miami, and Las Vegas, reflect this trend. The new Madrid circuit's design aims to combine elements of traditional racetracks with the excitement of street racing, a blend seen in other popular F1 venues like Montreal and Melbourne.
Barcelona's Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has been a fixture in Formula 1 since 1991. The move to Madrid, along with the development of a new circuit, is expected to inject fresh energy into the Spanish Grand Prix.
There's historical precedence for F1 racing in Madrid. The city last hosted a Grand Prix in 1981 at the Jarma circuit. However, the new venue promises to be a modern and dynamic addition to the F1 calendar.
With the 10-year deal reported by Joe Saward, Madrid is set to become a new focal point for Spanish motorsport. Although this has not been confirmed by Formula One just yet, an announcement is expected shortly.
