The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in recent years has “received criticism for its dated facilities and mediocre fan experience”Getty Images
The organizers of Barcelona's F1 Spanish GP are “confident” that a $54.1M renovation plan can “help the event stay on the calendar beyond 2026” despite the Spanish GP's move to Madrid, according to Filip Cleeren of MOTORSPORT. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali was “keen to stress” that F1's move to Madrid “didn't necessarily have to spell the end for Barcelona.” But with spots on the calendar “in high demand,” it “seems unlikely that Barcelona's event will be able to co-exist with Madrid beyond its current terms.” In recent years the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has “received criticism for its dated facilities and mediocre fan experience.” The 2022 edition was “marred by logistical issues, which prompted an apology from the promoters and a demand from F1 to improve its access problems.” The project, which started over two years ago and is “expected to be completed before this year's Spanish Grand Prix in June,” includes a “remodelling of the pit complex and the construction of a new covered pit building terrace to house the Paddock Club.” For 2027 and beyond, Barcelona will “face fierce competition for a slot on F1's rammed 24-race calendar,” with recent reports suggesting that Mercedes sponsor Petronas is “keen on reviving Kuala Lumpur's Malaysian Grand Prix” (MOTORSPORT, 1/31).
