Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is not known for its exciting racing action on track. It is not the most difficult track to overtake, but it’s certainly not the easiest. However, despite this seeming lack of action, fans love the Spanish GP and the circuit’s historical significance for the sport.

Now that there are rumors of Madrid hosting the Spanish Grand Prix, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will be shown the doors. If reports are believed, we might not see F1 in this historic venue as early as 2026. Realistically, they have only a couple more seasons left. Despite this, the circuit proved its significance once again in 2023.

Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya’s record-breaking year while hosting the Spanish GP

During the Spanish GP, you can be certain that at least 50% of the crowd will be there to celebrate the national icon, Fernando Alonso, especially thanks to the Spaniards’ blistering form. With Carlos Sainz also on the grid, the Spanish crowd flocked towards the stadium this year. Just over the Spanish Grand Prix weekend, 280,000 fans attended the race. 

This, combined with other events like MotoGP held in the circuit, opened the track’s door to over 605,000 fans this year – the most they’ve had in the last nine years. Interestingly, the only time the attendance was this high was during three years from 2006-2008 when Fernando Alonso won two championships and was fighting with Lewis Hamilton for the threepeat.

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For racing fans, the circuit opened its doors for over 332 days, a whopping 91% of the year. These numbers show time and time again why Barcelona is such an integral part of the F1 circuit. Despite this, many ex-drivers and pundits believe that while Barcelona’s history should be celebrated, racing should move on and move to Madrid. Formula One looks like they agree, for reports indicate that the finalization of Madrid GP might happen the moment the track is ready.

Carlos Sainz Sr. welcomes Madrid with open arms.

The former World Rally Champion and father of Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz is, in fact, one of the strongest proponents for the sport to move to Madrid. He pointed out that the race was held in Jerez before moving to its current location. “Catalonia has had it for many years and they have enjoyed it,” Sainz Sr. said. “There is no written rule that says a grand prix always has to be in the same place. We have to remember that it was also in Jerez as well.”

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The Ferrari driver would also be rejoicing as he’ll finally have the chance to win it all in front of his home crowd. Sainz Sr, commenting on this possibility, stated, “If it comes and if Carlos is there at that moment, racing in F1, it would be something unique and fantastic. Racing in your own city is something that makes you very lucky. I think Carlos is going to enjoy that grand prix a lot.” While expectations are high and hopes for a circuit suited better for overtaking are high, a deal has not been formally announced yet. Barcelona holds a contract until the end of the 2026 season.

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