Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya

Located in the scenic hills of Montmeló, Catalonia, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has become a staple of the Formula 1 calendar. Since its debut in 1991, the circuit has been the backdrop for some of the most exciting racing in recent history, attracting passionate Spanish fans and international motorsport enthusiasts alike. The circuit's layout offers a perfect mix of high-speed straights, technical corners, and challenging elevation changes, making it a favorite for drivers and teams alike.

The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is a 4.655-kilometer track that combines a variety of challenging turns, both high-speed and low-speed, offering plenty of opportunities for overtaking and strategic battles. Its technical nature allows drivers to test the limits of their cars, and its long history as a pre-season testing venue means teams are extremely familiar with its layout. The circuit has a good variation of high-speed corners, like the long right-hander of turn 3, mixed with technical sections in the final sector before flowing through two high-speed right-handers onto the long main straight once more. Turn 1 is therefore a great spot to make an overtake stick.

Although the track has undergone minor modifications over the years, the essence of the circuit remains the same. It is known for its blend of technical and high-speed sections, providing the perfect setting for a fast-paced race.

The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has long been regarded as the unofficial pre-season testing circuit for Formula 1. Until recent years, teams used this venue to fine-tune their cars and gain valuable data before the season began. This familiarity with the track gives teams a unique edge when the race weekend arrives, as drivers have extensive experience on the circuit. However, since testing has moved to Bahrain, the Spanish Grand Prix has shifted back to being a race-focused event.

The Spanish Grand Prix has a rich and storied history at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, with numerous legendary drivers etching their names into the record books. Two seven-time world champions Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton are tied for most victories at this track, with six each. Fernando Alonso has a special connection with his home circuit, having been on the podium five times in total. The inaugural race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya was won by Nigell Mansell in 1991, one year later the Williams driver took victory around this venue in his title winning season.

In 2012, one of the most feel-good moments in F1 history occurred when Pastor Maldonado took his first and only victory at the circuit, driving for Williams. It was the team’s first win in eight years and remains a standout moment in the team’s history.

Hamilton is tied with Michael Schumacher for most wins around the Circuit de Catalunya. The Brit even managed five in a row starting in 2017. It has not all been smooth sailing in the Catalan region, however, as in 2016, for example, Hamilton had a crash with Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg. This incident saw Max Verstappen become F1’s youngest ever race-winner in his Red Bull debut. Since the 2022 regulation changes, Hamilton and Mercedes struggled for pace quite a lot. Spain, however, remained a track at which the Brit displayed great performances taking a P5 and two podium finishes since the new era.