Barcelona unconcerned: Madrid is "no problem for us"

(Motorsport-Total.com) - Barcelona hasn't given up on remaining on the Formula 1 calendar, even though the track will have a domestic competitor in Madrid starting in 2026. However, the prospects for the historic circuit are bleak, as its contract expires next year and other tracks and countries are pushing their way onto the calendar.

It is considered unlikely that Spain will permanently retain two Formula 1 races on the calendar, so Barcelona is expected to disappear from the calendar after 2026 – similar to Imola. However, Formula 1's rotation system for certain European races, which already includes Belgium, could open up another opportunity for Barcelona in the future.

A delegation from Catalonia attended the Imola race in early May to hold talks with Formula 1 rights holder FOM. Speaking to the global edition of Motorsport.com , a sister platform of Motorsport-Total.com on the Motorsport Network, those involved expressed confidence that Madrid will not mean the end of the season.

Madrid is "no problem for us at all," claims Ignasi Armengol, CEO of Fira Circuit, which operates the track starting this year. "On the contrary – they were here to see our facilities. We have a very cordial relationship, as we do with the other circuits. In that respect, we don't see it as a problem. There are other racetracks within a similar distance."

However, there is a widespread opinion that Barcelona paved the way for the Madrid project by being too hesitant in solving long-standing problems of logistics and infrastructure.

Although the event has undoubtedly improved, it may already be too late - the long-promised train station directly at the entrance to the line still only exists on paper.

Barcelona is in no hurry

"The truth is, our relationship with FOM is very good," Armengol emphasizes. "We know each other very well, so the dialogue is open and very constructive. Year after year, we implement, adapt, and optimize what FOM requires of us and what we can solve—for example, the space allocation in the paddock, parking spaces, or access."

"There's no rush to sign a new contract. As we've seen at other tracks, this often doesn't happen until three or four months before the last race of the contract. So we still have a full year at our disposal. We're confident that a good solution will be found."

Negotiations are taking place at the government level, which is also responsible for funding. Although he himself isn't directly involved, Armengol says the goal remains to hold an annual race in the future. "For us, it's always been a continuous event—and that's our hope," he says. "I think we'll continue to work with that vision in these negotiations."

Regarding the name for the 2026 race, Armengol said a decision will be made "shortly." Since the race is supported by the regional government, it's not unreasonable that it could be called the Catalan Grand Prix—like the MotoGP race on the track.

The 2026 F1 calendar is taking shape

Meanwhile, Formula 1 is nearing the completion of its 2026 calendar. As already announced, the season will once again begin in Melbourne at the beginning of March. As in this year, the races in the Middle East—Bahrain and Saudi Arabia—will be moved to April due to the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, and will thus once again take place behind China and Japan.

One of the few changes in the first half of the season is likely to be the disappearance of Imola, as well as the change of the Canadian race from its previous date in mid-June to a slot in the second half of May.

This will facilitate the logistical connection to Miami, even though Miami and Canada will not be a doubleheader. To make room for Montreal, the Monaco race will be moved from its traditional date of late May to early June.

No major changes are expected in the second half of the season—except for the inclusion of the new Madrid race as a replacement for Imola at the end of September. The so-called "Madring" near Barajas Airport is currently under construction and is expected to be completed on time.

Thailand, meanwhile, remains the most realistic option for a medium-term entry starting in 2028 or later. The government is working with Red Bull Thailand on a semi-permanent circuit on the outskirts of Bangkok. It's now up to the government to present a compelling offer, following Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's meeting with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali in April.