El Clasico Ensues in F1 as Madrid Reportedly Replaces Barcelona to Host Spanish GP
Follow Us
Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has been the home race of Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz for many years. Some tweaks were made to the track recently to improve the racing and overtaking but it doesn’t seem to have helped it keep the crown. With Madrid moving into the picture to take the kingdom away from Barcelona to host the Spanish GP, El Clasico makes its way into F1. But when is it all happening?
Earlier this year, Sergio Perez advised on how he would like the idea of having a race held in Madrid. Seems like Checo’s wish has come to life as Madrid is believed to be added to the F1 calendar. So that means 2 races in Spain, right? Well, no. It is reported that as soon as Madrid signs a contract with F1 and agrees to host the GP, Barcelona will be kicked out of the F1 calendar.
Over the years, fans have criticized the circuit in Barcelona for not being a great track for racing and for hosting boring races. Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya currently has a contract with F1 until the end of 2026. However, Madrid is expected to get the track ready for a race in 2026. Does that mean the contract will be cut short for the Barcelona GP by one year?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
It will soon be announced that Madrid has won the deal to host the Spanish Grand Prix from 2026 onwards. The race will take place on a semi-permanent track around the IFEMA convention centre, close to Barajas Airport. The deal will be for 10 years.
— Joe Saward (@joesaward) December 5, 2023
Well, it certainly looks that way. As reported by Joe Saward on his Twitter account, he explains how Madrid has won the deal to host the Spanish GP from 2026 onwards. It is believed that the Grand Prix will take place at the track near the IFEMA convention center. While Barcelona signed a 5-year deal with F1 in 2021, the Madrid GP deal is expected to be a 10-year contract.
With Madrid on the scene, let’s see what the new circuit will potentially look like and what is it all about.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What will the Spanish GP in Madrid possibly look like?
An F1 Grand Prix was last held in Madrid in 1981 at the Circuito del Jarama. Earlier this year, speaking about the possibilities of an F1 race in Madrid, the FIA CEO, Natalie Robyn said, “We still don’t know what may happen in the future. But the normal process is that the request is made to the country’s sports federation—in this case to the Spanish one. From there, the necessary stages are passed. That is the approval of a circuit above all, which, as we analyze and approve in the FIA, is very important. Here, in Madrid, it is possibly an urban circuit and it is a very scrupulous process, so we’ll see.”
It is expected that the circuit will be 5 kilometers long and will be set up around the pavilions of the fairgrounds. It will go around the M-11 towards Valdebebas, the Real Madrid Sports City. It’ll pass through the Mad Cool festival land and return to the pavilions. The event is advised to be organized by private investment, with the economic effect being close to $540 million.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Trending
Liam Lawson’s Surprise Contract Clause Threatens Daniel Ricciardo’s RB Seat
April 24, 2024 11:15 AM EDT
Adrian Newey’s “Personal Issue” With Christian Horner the Reason Behind Red Bull Mastermind’s Exit
April 27, 2024 10:51 AM EDT
F1 Rumor: Lawrence Stroll Offers Adrian Newey $100 Million to Poach Him From Frederic Vasseur and Co’s Interest
April 26, 2024 03:16 PM EDT
F1 Rumor: Christian Horner and Wife Geri to Publicly Reveal All Details on Leaked Chat Scandal
April 22, 2024 04:10 PM EDT
“[Charles] Leclerc Doesn’t Care About Ferrari”: F1 Insider’s Brutal Blow to Fred Vasseur & Co. Has Racing Community Lashing Out
April 24, 2024 05:00 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Watch this Story: How is Aston Martin Allying with Honda for its F1 Title Challenge from 2026?
Edited by:
Akash Pandhare