The usual derby
In recent weeks, Spain has once again divided along the Madrid-Barcelona axis. This time, however, it has nothing to do with football and politics. The debate concerns Formula 1. Rumors have revealed that starting from the 2026 F1 season, there could be a change in the organization of the Spanish Grand Prix.
The event could leave the symbolic city of Catalonia, which has hosted the race since 1991, to move to Madrid, where it would take place on a city circuit built within the Iberian capital. A solution that naturally sparks discussions and has caused displeasure, despite appeals from the president of the FIA Senate, Carmelo Sanz de Barros, to prevent the issue from turning into another power struggle between the two cities.
The hope of the Spanish motorsport authorities would be for a dual presence on the calendar, following the example of Italy with Monza and Imola. However, this solution currently appears decidedly improbable.
Carlos Sainz’s father supports Madrid race
A pro-Madrid endorsement has also come from one of the absolute symbols of Spanish motorsport, Carlos Sainz Sr. The two-time rally world champion, who will soon be chasing his fourth victory at the Dakar, spoke to the newspaper AS.
Having been born and raised in Madrid, just like his son Carlos Jr. – the Ferrari driver – Carlos Sainz Snr has expressed his support for this event: “Having a Grand Prix in Spain is essential. I don’t know if there will be one or two in the end. But if the arrival of a Grand Prix in Madrid were confirmed, I would be very happy, as you can imagine. From a logistical point of view, it would be unbeatable. If it were to happen, and if Carlos were there at that moment, racing in F1, it would be something unique. Competing in your own city is something that makes you very fortunate.” – he pointed out.
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The possibility that a now historic track like Barcelona could be without a Grand Prix is on the table, but according to the current Audi driver, it is a fate that can happen sooner or later to any circuit: “Catalonia has had the Grand Prix for many years, and they enjoyed it. There is no written rule that says a Grand Prix must always be held in the same place. We must remember that there was also Jerez in the past.” – he concluded.
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