#F1 drivers speak up for Catalunya track amid rumours of Madrid bid for Spanish GP

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F1 drivers speak up for Catalunya track amid rumours of Madrid bid for Spanish GP | 2023 Spanish Grand Prix

Formula 1 drivers including Lewis Hamilton are keen to see the Circuit de Catalunya remain on the F1 calendar, following rumours the Spanish Grand Prix will move to Madrid in the future. Reports suggested a new street circuit in the Spanish capital could take over the race after the Catalunya circuit’s contract expires in 2026. The Spanish Grand Prix has appeared on the F1 calendar every season since 1986 and moved to its current venue in 1991. Several drivers expressed their desire for the track near Barcelona to remain the race’s home. Lewis Hamilton, who raced around the little-loved Valencia street circuit which held a second Spanish round between 2008 and 2012, said he was not particularly excited by the prospect of moving the Spanish round to another street circuit. Catalunya has held F1 races since 1991 “As long as it’s not like Valencia was, which wasn’t the most enjoyable track to drive…” he said in response to a question from RaceFans. “But I don’t think I would want to lose Barcelona. I love the city. “I do think it’s very important to keep the some of the classic circuits. At least the ones that provide great racing. Budapest is spectacular, Silverstone’s grand prix is spectacular, this track – there’s a lot of really great original circuits that we should keep. Maybe some that don’t provide the greatest of racing, maybe switch those out. “I just think about the heritage of the sport and we’ve got to make sure we hold onto those which are the pillars of what the sport is, in my opinion.” Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free AlphaTauri driver Nyck de Vries, who drove in a grand prix weekend for the first time last year in Barcelona in a Friday practice run with Williams, said he “genuinely loves” the venue. “I think every driver knows this track very well – it’s been used a lot throughout many different series and also in the simulator. So I enjoy coming here.” However Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jnr – one of two Spanish drivers in the field alongside Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso – said he is more concerned about making sure the Spanish Grand Prix remains on the calendar amid ever-growing competition from existing and emerging venues across the world. “I just can say that I will do my maximum just to ensure that there’s still a Spanish Grand Prix, independently of where,” Sainz said. “I think Barcelona now is doing a great job and I’ve been enjoying coming to Barcelona many, many years. Obviously I still need to go a bit more into the detail of what’s going on in Madrid and what they’re planning to do there. “But I will just support the Spanish Grand Prix – independently of where it is – and I will just offer my help for whatever they need – doesn’t matter if it’s track design or whatever – and support it.” Bringing the F1 news from the source RaceFans strives to bring its readers news directly from the key players in Formula 1. We are able to do this thanks in part to the generous backing of our RaceFans Supporters. By contributing £1 per month or £12 per year (or the equivalent in other currencies) you can help cover the costs involved in producing original journalism: Travelling, writing, creating, hosting, contacting and developing. We have been proudly supported by our readers for over 10 years. If you enjoy our independent coverage, please consider becoming a RaceFans Supporter today. As a bonus, all our Supporters can also browse the site ad-free. Sign up or find out more via the links below: Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free 2023 Spanish Grand Prix Browse all 2023 Spanish Grand Prix articles via RaceFans - Independent Motorsport Coverage https://www.racefans.net/