Organisers of the Barcelona circuit are working to continue on the F1 calendar beyond 2026 – despite recent obstacles.
Confirmation that Madrid will enter the F1 calendar next season was bad news for Barcelona, given that having two races in Spain is unlikely.
Formula 1’s approach to selecting new venues is based on expanding the calendar to new corners of the globe.
Growing international demand makes it more difficult for venues like Barcelona to remain part of the annual schedule.
However, race organiser have not abandoned hope of securing a new contract with F1.
Barcelona fight to stay on calendar amidst Madrid GP arrival
The last few years have seen significant evolution of the F1 calendar.
Spa, for example, arguably the most iconic circuit in the sport, has lost its permanent slot on the schedule.
Despite signing a multi-year extension to stay in F1 until 2031, the Belgian GP will be absent in 2028 and 2030.
This is likely the beginning of a wider trend of circuit rotation – which will see certain tracks in the calendar on a semi-permanent basis.
Madrid’s new circuit has no such agreement, with the Spanish capital set to host F1 races until at least 2035.
As mentioned previously, Madrid’s arrival is bad news for Barcelona – who will face an uphill battle to stay on the calendar.
However, should organisers manage to convince FOM that their facilities, heritage and financial package are too valuable to be overlooked, Barcelona could yet remain a part of the schedule.
Jordi Valls, Deputy Mayor of Barcelona City Council, spoke about the future of the circuit:
“We want it to be a great celebration of F1,” es.motorsport.com quotes him as saying.
“At the same time, a platform to demonstrate our capacity for innovation, industry and talent.
“Barcelona has a great tradition in the world of motorsport.
“What we are looking for is not only to keep the Grand Prix, but also everything it represents for the city.”
Other circuits at risk
Of course, Barcelona is not the only venue with an expiring contract.
Imola, which will host the seventh round of the season this weekend, is among the circuits in jeopardy of losing their calendar slot.
The Italian circuit made its return to the calendar in 2020 during the pandemic, as one of many circuits that were rapidly selected to put the F1 season together.
Five years later, though, Imola could find itself as the latest casualty of the rapidly growing demand to host Grand Prix.
The recent announcement of the Miami GP’s contract extension until 2041, alongside news of Belgium’s new rotational status, are a reminder that traditional circuits have no guarantee of keeping their slots.
New circuits arriving to the schedule will inevitably result in some venues missing out.
Despite expanding the calendar to a record-breaking 24 races this year, tracks will still be left out.
The Dutch Grand Prix is also at risk of losing its place on the calendar, adding to the list of traditional circuits that are making way of street tracks.
Returning to Barcelona, circuit organisers are currently in negotiations in a context that would suggest the odds are against them.
Still, there is at least some hope the will secure the historic venue’s place in F1.
Main photo: Peter Fox/Getty Images
