F1 News: Pundit Gives Verdict On Barcelona GP Future After Madrid Signs Decade-Long Deal

Sky Sports F1 pundit Ted Kravitz has analysed what the new contract with Madrid means for Barcelona.

Sky Sports F1 pundit Ted Kravitz recently discussed the exciting addition of the Madrid Grand Prix to the Formula One calendar, set to begin in 2026. This marks the first time Madrid will host a Grand Prix since 1981, signalling a significant shift in the future of motor racing in Spain.

Key Takeaways:

• Barcelona's Future in F1 Uncertain: Kravitz speculates that Barcelona may not stay on the F1 calendar beyond 2026, citing the sustainable and accessible nature of the Madrid Grand Prix as a key factor. He mentions that while Barcelona has F1 heritage, Madrid's Grand Prix, being easily accessible by public transport, has an advantage.
• Madrid as a Long-term F1 Destination: The deal with Madrid is until 2035, making it one of the long-term destinations for F1, alongside Australia and Bahrain. Kravitz highlights F1's intention to make Madrid a city destination, combining the Grand Prix experience with the city's cultural offerings.

"I would imagine that Barcelona will probably drop off"

Ted Kravitz discusses the future of motor racing in Spain with Madrid joining the F1 calendar to host the Spanish GP from the 2026 season 👀🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/P7fX74X4uG

— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) January 23, 2024

The announcement of the Madrid Grand Prix joining the Formula One calendar is a major development for the sport. Ted Kravitz, a renowned pundit on Sky Sports F1, offered his insights on what this means for the future of Formula One racing in Spain and the sport as a whole.

Discussing the potential impact on the Barcelona Grand Prix, Kravitz said:

"I would imagine that Barcelona, unless they can come up with an astonishing amount of money, will probably drop off.

"I wouldn't be surprised if for 2026, which is the first year that Madrid has a contract for, that they both will be on the calendar.

"Madrid is exciting, but Barcelona is somewhat of F1 heritage. But after that, I wouldn't have imagined that there would be space for both." 

Red Bull Press Image

Kravitz also commented on the significance of the long-term contract with Madrid, saying:

"It makes it join Australia, which has a Grand Prix to 2035, and Bahrain, which has a Grand Prix to 2036, now Madrid as the third really long term destination. And talking of destination, that's what Formula One want to make it.

"They want to make it a city destination that you'll be able to go to Madrid, enjoy the delights of the city, maybe catch a game, depending on what time of year they schedule the Grand Prix, still don't know that, and then get the Metro or a bus or something to the new Madrid Grand Prix."

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