F1 Barcelona host blasts rumors that Catalunya will not see another Formula 1 Grand Prix amidst reports of them losing bid to Madrid for hosting Spanish GP

Multiple back and forth has been ongoing between the officials at the Barcelona and Madrid circuits for the host of Spanish GP beyond 2026.

F1 Barcelona host blasts rumors that Catalunya will not see another Formula 1 Grand Prix amidst reports of them losing bid to Madrid for hosting Spanish GP

Spanish GP (via F1)

The reveal of the 2024 F1 calendar locked in Madrid’s circuit as the host for the Spanish GP from 2026 onwards after winning the bidding war against Barcelona circuit. However, recent rumors have stirred uncertainty about the future host of the Spanish GP from 2026.

A source at the Circuit de Catalunya of Barcelona commented that they would not be responding to rumors. There is a conflict of interest as some media outlets claim that Spain’s FIA-linked sanctioning body RFEDA is yet to receive a formal request for the host of the Spanish GP land its track layout.

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The same source exclaimed that they were working towards a successful host of the 2024 Spanish GP and were not concerned with future races. He also talked about the contract till 2026 and added how they were working towards it to potentially extend the contract further its expiration.

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We can only say that right now we are working on having the best Spanish GP possible in 2024, that we have a contract until 2026 inclusive, and that we are working with F1 to extend this agreement for more years.

A source said, as reported by motorsport.nextgen-auto.com.

Victor Francos, president of the Consejo Superior de Deportes sports council talked about the dangers of Spanish GP being held at the Madrid circuit instead of Barcelona. He talked about the first alternative proposal. 

It is known that there is a project in Madrid, which Ifema has presented, and that it is a semi-urban circuit which is competing with Barcelona, For the first time, there is an alternative proposal.

Madrid’s mayor Jose Luis Martinez Almeida also confirmed the news before F1

In addition to the president of Conesjo Superior, the Madrid Mayor Jose Luis Martinez Almeida also confirmed the host of the Spanish GP at the Madrid circuit. Almeida exclaimed that Madrid was the best city to host the Spanish GP at and added how they have worked through Ifema. However, he also acknowledged the fact how official confirmation was pending from F1.

Spanish GP at the Madrid's circuit.
Spanish GP at the Madrid’s circuit.

Despite the existence of a contract for Barcelona to host the race until 2026, reporters questioned Almeida about the host of the 2026 race. In response, the mayor reiterated that continuous progress was being made. However, he renounced the fact that official confirmation was yet to arrive for the Madrid circuit of Spain.

Despite the ongoing back and forth from the two cities, the host of Spanish GP needs to seriously up their game to provide a fun show to the fans at the Spanish location. Both the cities have their own lists of pros and cons. F1 is the deciding force for the host of the Spanish GP beyond 2026 as all fans anticipate great racing action in the next season of F1.

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