Exclusive: Spanish Grand Prix is no longer the name of the race in Barcelona

In 2026, two Spanish races will be on the Formula 1 calendar: One in Barcelona and one at the new MadRing in the capital. The Grand Prix of country has been held in Barcelona since 1991, but this will change in 2026. The official title will move to Madrid.

The race in the capital will be called the Spanish Grand Prix in 2026, with the city gaining the official the name.

Madrid will also hold a Grand Prix with currently having the longest contract. The race in the capital is indeed scheduled until 2035 on the Formula 1 calendar.

That is not the case for the Grand Prix in Barcelona. The contract for this location expires after 2026. Many drivers, including the MadRing's ambassador, Carlos Sainz, have expressed their hope that Barcelona remains on the calendar.

However, with increasing requests for Grands Prix, it is questionable if F1 will accommodate this.

Formula 1 has revealed to GPblog the name for the GP in Barcelona: Grand Prix de Barcelona-Catalunya.

The weekend is named after the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, where the Spanish GP has been contested since 1991.

The complete Formula 1 calendar for 2026 was presented Tuesday morning by Formula 1 and the FIA. On it, the Grand Prix de Barcelona-Catalunya is listed as the ninth race, while the Spanish GP is the sixteenth race on the calendar, although it is still subject to confirmation.

While everyone involved in Formula 1 emphasises that Madrid will ‘simply’ proceed, it is not yet 100% certain.

The circuit must first receive approval from the FIA before the event can officially take place. Madrid, taking over from Imola, will want to get this sorted out well before the GP.