Fernando Alonso has expressed confidence that the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will remain part of the Formula 1 calendar, despite Madrid taking over as host of the Spanish Grand Prix from 2026.
The Aston Martin driver is set to make his 22nd Grand Prix appearance at Barcelona, where he first competed during his rookie F1 season in 2001.
A two-time winner at the venue, with victories in 2006 and 2013, Alonso has also completed more race laps at the circuit than any other driver — clocking up 1,281 laps in total.
However, a favourite testing venue for the entire grid, Barcelona will lose its Spanish GP status next year, with its long-term future beyond 2026 still unclear.
Taking over as the host will be the new street circuit in Madrid, which is confirmed to remain on the F1 calendar until at least 2035.
Ahead of the Spanish race weekend, the two-time World Champion was clear that Barcelona will continue to have a role in the sport.
“I don’t think that we will lose Barcelona, that’s my opinion and my wish as well,” Alonso told media including Motorsport Week.
“I think it’s good to have new venues, it’s good to have new countries as well that Formula 1 has moved to in the last decade.
“But at the same time, we need to keep some traditional circuits, where the history of Formula 1 has been written and made.
“Formula 1 and Barcelona, they are very linked, we’ve been testing here for decades.
“I think all the teams choose Barcelona when they have to choose one test track.
“We come back next year in winter because we have new regulations, new cars.
“Once again, the teams chose Barcelona because it’s the Formula 1 track in a way.”
Barcelona’s upgrades and its lasting place in F1
In 2023, the circuit layout was altered to remove the chicane in the final sector, to improve overtaking as drivers could gain a better run on another competitor heading onto the pit straight.
Reflecting on these changes and Barcelona’s future, Fernando Alonso emphasised the circuit’s enduring importance to the sport.
“I think the circuit has made some changes to make it to Formula 1 standards,” he added.
“So in the last two or three years, the public facilities, the grandstands, everything has taken a new level.
“Barcelona has been here for the last two or three decades and Barcelona will be here for the next 10, 20, 30, 40 years.
“Some of the venues will be just momentarily there in the calendar and then probably they will disappear again.
“So we cannot lose Barcelona.”
The iconic track has hosted pre-season testing for over 30 years, making it a vital part of team preparations each year.
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