Barcelona-CatalunyaGrand Prix

Fred’s View

“Barcelona is a combination of fast, high-speed corners which put a lot of energy through the tyres and the driver. You will definitely feel it in your neck after the Grand Prix!” said Test and Reserve Driver Fred Vesti.

“Tyre degradation can provide a real challenge, and finding the compromise between managing the tyres and pushing is not east to get right either.”

A Rich History

Barcelona is one of five circuits to have hosted the Spanish Grand Prix. The others are Jarama, Jerez, Montjuich, and Pedralbes.

Valencia hosted five European Grands Prix between 2008 and 2012, and from 2026 the Spanish Grand Prix is moving to a street circuit in Madrid. The race on the outskirts of Barcelona will therefore become the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix in 2026.

Barcelona has witnessed a host of iconic and dramatic F1 moments over the years. Ayrton Senna and Nigel Mansell famously went wheel-to-wheel along the pit straight in 1991, while in 1994 Michael Schumacher finished second after being forced to drive most of the race in fifth gear.

Two years later, the legendary German scored his first win for Ferrari in atrocious conditions, and in 2001 he claimed victory after rival Mika Hakkinen broke down with just a few corners remaining having led most of the race. Home hero Fernando Alonso became the first Spaniard to win his home Grand Prix in 2006, and Williams would claim a shock victory with Pastor Maldonado in 2012.

Four years later, team-mates Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton would clash on the first lap, allowing Max Verstappen to become the youngest ever winner of a Grand Prix.

Did You Know?

Most of the track’s low-speed turns are left-handers and most of the right-handers are taken at high speeds. This poses a challenge for setting up the car, with asymmetric setups an option. That track characteristic also means the left tyres wear out quicker, while the right tyres experience lower temperatures.

Twenty-four of the 34 races that have taken place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya have been won from pole.

Lewis Hamilton recorded his 100th pole position at the 2021 Spanish Grand Prix while driving for the team.

Lewis also holds the record for most consecutive wins at a Grand Prix circuit with five in Barcelona (2017-2021). He shares this record with Ayrton Senna and Monaco (1989-1993).