🏎️ The Spanish Grand Prix Formula 1 2026: the year that changed the history of motorsport in Spain
The roar of engines on the Iberian Peninsula will never be the same again. The Spanish Grand Prix Formula 1 2026 marks a before and after in the history of national motorsport, because for the first time in decades, Spain will have two Grands Prix in the same year: one in Madrid (under the historic name "Spanish Grand Prix") and another in Barcelona (under the new name "Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix").
This change, the result of negotiations between Formula 1, the Community of Madrid and the Government of Catalonia, has redefined the speed map in our country. At The Sun Places we tell you everything you need to know about this revolution, the differences between the two events and why staying with us is the best way to experience them.
What is the history of the Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix?
📜 History: a nomadic venue until finding a home in Montmeló
Before understanding The Spanish Grand Prix Formula 1 2026, it must be remembered that this race is one of the oldest on the calendar, but it has not always been held in the same place. For decades, the Spanish Grand Prix "travelled" to different parts of the country before finding a permanent home.
- Pedralbes (Barcelona): hosted the first editions of the world championship in 1951, with victory for Juan Manuel Fangio.
- Jarama Circuit (Madrid): venue between 1968 and 1981, famous for Gilles Villeneuve's mythical victory in 1981.
- Montjuïc (Barcelona): a dangerous urban circuit that hosted F1 between 1969 and 1975.
- Jerez Circuit (Cádiz): was the venue between 1985 and 1990, witness to great battles and Fernando Alonso's first home victory years later (although at that time it was not raced there).
Finally, in 1991, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya (Montmeló) was built specifically as part of the development programme for the 1992 Olympic Games. Its aim was to attract F1 back to the Barcelona region on a stable basis, something it achieved from its inauguration.
From 1991 to 2025, this circuit was the official venue and setting for the Spanish Grand Prix. For more than three decades, Montmeló has been synonymous with F1 in Spain, hosting pre-season tests and legendary races.
What has changed in the Spanish Grand Prix Formula 1 2026?
🔄The change from 2026: separation of concepts and birth of two Grands Prix
The big news, and the reason why The Spanish Grand Prix Formula 1 2026 is so relevant now, is that from this year the historic Spanish Grand Prix moves to Madrid.
The Community of Madrid signed a contract with Formula 1 to host the race under the name "Spanish Grand Prix" for at least 10 years (until 2035), at the new Madring Circuit, located next to the IFEMA Madrid exhibition centre.
This left the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya off the calendar from 2027 onwards. However, Formula 1 and the organisers of the Catalan circuit reached an agreement for Montmeló to continue hosting a race, but with a different name. From 2026 onwards, the race held in Montmeló will be called the "Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix".
Furthermore, this new Grand Prix will not be held every year, but will rotate with the Belgian Grand Prix (Spa-Francorchamps). It is confirmed to take place in 2026, 2028, 2030 and 2032.
Therefore, in 2026 Spain will have TWO Grands Prix:
- Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix (12-14 June at Montmeló).
- Spanish Grand Prix (11-13 September at the Madring Circuit, Madrid).
🆚 Key differences between the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix and the Spanish Grand Prix
Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix
- Official name: Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix
- Location: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya (Montmeló, Barcelona)
- 2026 dates: 12, 13 and 14 June
- Frequency: Rotation with Belgium (2026, 2028, 2030, 2032)
- Layout: Classic 4.657 km, 16 corners (high aerodynamic load)
- Capacity: ~140,000 spectators
- History: F1 venue since 1991 (34 years)
- Connection with The Sun Places: Excellent: Luxury Apartments in Barcelona and Luxury Accommodation on the Costa Brava
Spanish Grand Prix
- Official name: Spanish Grand Prix (historic denomination)
- Location: Madring Circuit (next to IFEMA Madrid)
- 2026 dates: 11, 12 and 13 September
- Frequency: Annual (10-year contract, until 2035)
- Layout: New semi-urban design of 5.416 km, 22 corners (faster)
- Capacity: ~110,000 expandable to 140,000
- History: New circuit (debut in 2026)
- Connection with The Sun Places: Excellent: Luxury Apartments in Madrid
🏁 Why was this change decided? The fight between Madrid and Barcelona for F1
The decision to move The Spanish Grand Prix Formula 1 2026 to Madrid was not sudden. For years, the Community of Madrid and the capital's City Council negotiated with Formula 1 to attract the race, offering an ambitious project: a new generation semi-urban circuit (Madring) with a privileged location near Barajas airport and with easy access for fans.
F1, always looking for new markets and media settings, saw in Madrid an opportunity to rejuvenate the image of the Spanish Grand Prix and attract a wider audience.
On the other hand, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, despite being a layout loved by drivers and teams (it is the testing circuit par excellence), had economic problems and a certain obsolescence in its facilities. The Government of Catalonia could not match the million-dollar investment offered by Madrid, and F1 decided to reward the capital's commitment.
However, Formula 1 did not want to lose the tradition and historical connection with Montmeló, so a compromise agreement was reached: Barcelona keeps its Grand Prix, but loses the historic name and annual frequency. Thus, The Spanish Grand Prix Formula 1 2026 is split between two venues that represent two different ways of understanding motorsport and spectacle.
What the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix represents for drivers and fans
For drivers, Montmeló is a circuit they know inside out, where they have done thousands of kilometres of testing. Madring, on the other hand, will be an unknown for everyone, which will level the playing field and reward whoever adapts best. For fans, having two Grands Prix in the same year is a luxury. They can enjoy the proximity and tradition of Barcelona in June, and the debut and novelty of Madrid in September.
National pride, Fernando Alonso, will race in both if he remains on the grid (at 44 years old, anything is possible). Carlos Sainz, another of the standout Spaniards, will also seek glory at home. The last edition in Montmeló (2025) was won by Oscar Piastri (McLaren), while the first winner at Madring is yet to be decided.
🏠 What it represents for The Sun Places?
At The Sun Places we understand that Formula 1 is a passion that moves thousands of fans. That is why we have designed a specific offer to enjoy both Grands Prix with maximum comfort.
For the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix (June): We offer you Luxury Apartments in Barcelona (in Eixample, El Born or near the circuit) and Luxury Accommodation on the Costa Brava, so you can combine speed with the tranquillity of the sea. Our concierge service will help you with transport and tickets.
For the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid (September): Although our speciality is Barcelona and the Costa Brava, we can recommend Luxury Accommodation in Madrid and advise you on how to get to the new Madring circuit.
For the most passionate fans: If you want to experience both Grands Prix, we can organise a luxury tour for you that includes stays in both cities, with private transfers and exclusive experiences.
At The Sun Places, the roar of engines and the luxury of the Mediterranean go hand in hand.
✨ Contact The Sun Places and book your Luxury Apartment in Barcelona or on the Costa Brava for the Catalunya GP, or let us advise you for your stay in Madrid with our Luxury Apartments in Madrid. Speed and luxury await you. ✨