P1racenews AI automatic summary:
F1 will have a new race in Spain from 2026 after finally confirming a long-expected grand prix in Madrid initially running to 2035 – but what does it mean for existing Spanish GP venue Barcelona?
Madrid will host a new Formula 1 race starting from 2026 until 2035, using a hybrid track that combines street and non-street sections similar to the Miami Grand Prix. The race will take place at the IFEMA exhibition venue, using a 3.39-mile circuit around the event complex and some local roads. This venue is located close to Madrid’s international airport and easily accessible from the city center by train, making it a sustainable event with high potential for public transport usage. The addition of the Madrid race raises questions about the future of Barcelona’s Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, which has struggled to secure a long-term place on the calendar. However, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has mentioned that there are discussions to extend the collaboration with Barcelona beyond its current contract. Overall, with the expanding F1 calendar, it is unlikely for one European country to host two races, making the future of Barcelona’s race uncertain.
