The Spanish Grand Prix has been a staple of the Formula One calendar since 1968, and since 1992 has been held at the purpose-built Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, but Formula One bosses are proposing another change for the iconic race.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali fanned the flames of the rumoured switch while speaking at the F1 Exhibition in Madrid in March.
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“They are working to bring a race here and F1 is delighted to have so many contenders, because this way we become more and more popular,” Domenicali said.
“Two races in Spain is of course very difficult, so we are happy with Barcelona who have a contract and a strong relationship – but it is true that Madrid wants a race so we will see. All of this is good for F1.”
While the Barcelona track is contracted through to 2026, Domenicali spoke again this weekend about the potential of a switch to Madrid.
“It’s one of our most classic Grands Prix,” he said.
“We have conversations, we extended for 2025 and 2025, but there is a need to renew many things, which is what they are doing.
“Our friends in Barcelona know it, I am always very transparent with everyone. The things I see happening now should have come sooner, but that’s okay.
“They are investing, they are working to improve the experience for the fans.
“We will see. But as I say, competition helps the system to grow.”
Asked about the proliferation of street circuits replacing historical tracks under his purview, Domenicali was philosophical.
“History is valuable, but what I am saying is that if you go from historical to old, obsolete, that is very different,” he said.
“We have contracts to honour.
“So in the next, I don’t want to say months, but we will make the right decision for the good of the sport.
“But if you ask me if there is room for two grands prix in Spain, I don’t think it’s possible but I don’t want to rule it out.
“You have to understand how the two projects want to evolve. But what I can guarantee is that Spain will continue to be on the calendar.”
The proposal has received mixed reactions from drivers, with record six-time winner Lewis Hamilton calling it a “classic” track.
“I don’t think I would want to lose Barcelona. I do think it’s really important we keep some of the classic circuits, at least the ones that provide great racing,” Hamilton said.
“Budapest is spectacular. Silverstone is spectacular. This track (in Barcelona).”
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc said he “loves” street tracks, and that Madrid would be a “special” event.
“(Barcelona) is a track that we all know so well as drivers, so it would be strange to not come here,” Leclerc said.
“But me personally, I love street tracks. I think just the feeling that you get from it is very, very special. So Madrid would be really nice too.”
Local driver Fernando Alonso, who grew up in the northern city of Ovielo, was open-minded, but preferred permanent tracks to be the norm.
“At the end of the day, it’s up to the region if they are happy to host the race or not. So if they don’t want the race, it is very easy then, because some other region will love to have it.”
Madrid regional chief, Isabel Diaz Ayuso, said she was “positive” that Madrid could win back the iconic fixture from Spain’s second-largest city, having previously hosted the Grand Prix at the desert circuit of Jarama periodically from 1968 to 1981.
“I am convinced, but we are still negotiating and must wait. In any case, I am extremely positive,” Ayuso told Spanish media.
While Ayuso is a conservative that has criticised separatist Catalonian politicians, the local authorities (who majority-own and run the Barcelona circuit through a public company) maintain they are committed to keeping the event.
Roger Torrent is the head of business policy for the Catalan regional government and maintains the Barcelona track has “a present and a future”.
“This circuit has a present and a future,” Torrent said.
“I am convinced that we will have Formula One for many years to come.”
Spain has previously hosted two Grands Prix, with the European Grand Prix held at the Valencia Street Circuit from 2008 to 2012.
It comes after Max Verstappen led another Red Bull procession in Barcelona to extend his lead at the top of the World Drivers’ Championship, with a Mercedes double podium result the only surprise of the weekend.
Naomi Schiff said on Sky Sports: “It’s frightening to see just how far ahead (Verstappen) is with his Red Bull.”
Sergio Perez was fourth, allowing Verstappen’s stranglehold on the championship race to grow.
Such was his dominance, Verstappen won by a massive 24 seconds.
Oscar Piastri started ninth and drove a solid race with several overtakes, but finished 13th and out of the points as he was passed by Pierre Gasly and Charles Leclerc in the closing stages.
The track layout in Barcelona changed slightly for this year, with the Turn 14/15 chicane removed to allow for higher speeds and better overtaking through Sector 3.