El Clasico Ensues in F1 as Madrid Reportedly Replaces Barcelona to Host Spanish GP

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?

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. 

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With Madrid on the scene, let’s see what the new circuit will potentially look like and what is it all about. 

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. 

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