The latest move by the Circuit de Barcelona feels like a direct challenge to Madrid — and in the meantime, Imola watches closely…
Spain is currently witnessing a surprising and paradoxical internal “war” between two Grands Prix, both set — at least on paper — to coexist on the Formula 1 calendar in 2026. On one side is the historic Spanish Grand Prix, hosted at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, which has been on the calendar since 1991 and is scheduled to take place this very weekend. On the other side stands the brand-new and ambitious Madrid Grand Prix, featuring the city circuit dubbed “Madring”, currently under construction and slated to make its debut in September 2026 — barring any further delays.
However, the arrival of the Madrid track has sparked more than a few tensions. Despite official statements suggesting peaceful coexistence, it’s clear that a silent — yet increasingly evident — rivalry has ignited between the two cities. Madrid aims to become the new Formula 1 hub in Spain, backed by major investments, modern infrastructure, and the appeal of being the nation’s capital.
In contrast, Barcelona is fiercely defending its legacy, built on a thirty-year tradition and a strong connection with F1 teams, many of which regularly choose Montmeló for pre-season testing.
Madrid vs Barcelona: Sainz for Madrid, Alonso for Barcelona — It’s a battle of icons
This escalating rivalry has now spilled into the media and symbolic gestures. Last month, Carlos Sainz was appointed ambassador for the Madrid Grand Prix — a bold move by the new event organizers to promote the circuit and gain local support.
But Barcelona didn’t stand idly by. The Catalan GP responded immediately by naming Fernando Alonso as its ambassador, reinforcing its status as the traditional and “historic” face of Formula 1 in Spain. It’s a symbolic clash between two national heroes who have long represented the soul of Spanish motorsport.
While they fight… Imola watches closely
Barcelona still holds a few important cards. Delays in the Madrid circuit’s construction, coupled with a track layout that has already drawn criticism from fans for lacking character and feeling overly artificial, have started to dampen some of the initial excitement. If the Madring fails to meet deadlines or deliver on spectacle, it could backfire dramatically.
And while the two Spanish cities battle it out, the Imola circuit is quietly waiting in the wings. The Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, a fan favorite, is ready to step in as a replacement should the Madrid GP fall through — a possibility that looks increasingly plausible given the uncertainties surrounding the new race. At GPKingdom, we’ve even launched a petition to keep Imola on the calendar, which has already reached 30,000 signatures.
PETITION – SAVE IMOLA: SIGN TO KEEP THE GP ON THE CALENDAR!
Finally, Barcelona hopes to remain on the calendar even beyond 2026, regardless of Madrid’s confirmation. One of the most talked-about options is a name change: the Montmeló round could be rebranded as the “European Grand Prix”, thus maintaining its spot on the calendar and continuing its longstanding legacy in the world of Formula 1.
Photo: Scuderia Ferrari HP, Fernando Alonso
