Learn all about the Spanish Grand Prix with BornBike Barcelona! We’ll be covering a range of fascinating topics about the Spanish circuit, including its history, anecdotes and the riders who have shone there.
Worth knowing
The Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix takes place on 1 June 2025 at the Circuit de Catalunya. This is the last year that the Catalan circuit will host the Formula 1 Championship, so come and enjoy this 35th edition before the race moves to Madrid in 2026. This ‘move’ is due to financial difficulties encountered by the Barcelona circuit, but also to Formula 1’s desire to explore new markets in order to attract a wider audience. The move has sparked debate among fans and teams alike, with some seeing Madrid as an opportunity to modernise the event, while others regret the loss of an iconic circuit.
However, if you love this circuit you can still watch the MotoGP riders, this year the race takes place on September 5.
You can continue to enjoy the local drivers, Carlos Sainz who will now be driving for Williams and Fernando Alonso still for Aston Martin.
The weekend of the race
Away from the track, the Circuit will be dressing up for the occasion and offering a host of activities in its various public areas, catering for all ages and tastes. The F1 sports programme will be complemented by that of its little brothers F3® and F2®, as well as the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.
You’ll be able to take part in activities such as wheel-swapping and simulator driving.
Try to get autographs from the drivers and, of course, sample the food and drink on offer!
You can view the programme of activities here.
The circuit
This circuit is 4657 metres long and has 66 bends. The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is renowned for its combination of high and low speed corners, providing a technical challenge for the drivers and a captivating experience for the spectators. Turn 3, a long straight, is particularly popular for assessing the balance of single-seaters. The Catalan circuit was inaugurated in 1991 and has hosted the Spanish F1 GP, won by Nigel Mansell. The race distance is 307.236 km, which means that the minimum must be 305 km. There is, however, one notable exception: the Monaco Grand Prix with its 260 km. This Grand Prix takes place on May 25, the week before the Spanish Grand Prix.
Legendary drivers
Many drivers have left their mark on the history of this race. Michael Schumacher holds the record for most wins with six (1995, 1996, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004). His triumph in the rain in 1996 with Ferrari is often cited as one of the greatest driving demonstrations in history. Lewis Hamilton has also left his mark, dominating the circuit between 2017 and 2021 with Mercedes.
Max Verstappen is one of the modern faces of success in Spain. His first F1 win in 2016, aged just 18, left a lasting impression. Since then, he has done it again, winning the 2022, 2023 and 2024 editions of the race, confirming Red Bull’s dominance.
Memorable anecdotes
1996: Schumacher's masterly victory
Michael Schumacher will always be remembered for 1996. In his first season with Ferrari, the German put in an exceptional performance in the rain, outclassing the competition with a car that was inferior in performance. This victory was a turning point in his career and in the history of Ferrari.
2012: Maldonado creates a surprise
The 2012 Spanish Grand Prix offered one of the biggest surprises of the modern era. Pastor Maldonado, a Venezuelan driver unused to victories, won the race in a Williams, ahead of Fernando Alonso in a Ferrari and Kimi Räikkönen in a Lotus-Renault.
Pastor Maldonado gave the British team its first victory since 2004. Today, this feat remains one of the most improbable in modern Formula 1.
2016 : The Mercedes war
On the very first lap of the race on Sunday 15 May 2016, a spectacular collision between Mercedes team-mates Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton put them out of the race. This incident allowed a young Max Verstappen, then a Red Bull rookie, to take his first F1 victory, becoming the youngest winner in the sport’s history at just 18 years of age.
2024: Verstappen dominates, Norris goes from strength to strength
At the 2024 Spanish Grand Prix, Max Verstappen consolidated his domination by taking his third consecutive victory at the circuit. However, this edition saw Lando Norris step up a gear, finishing second in an impressive performance for McLaren to close the gap in the overall standings. We can’t wait to see the result of this year’s race.
Before you go to the Spanish Grand Prix, don’t hesitate to come and see us at BornBike Barcelona and take a bike ride with us, we’d love to meet you!
If you’re a motorsport enthusiast, we invite you to have a look at our article on the history and anecdotes of the Spanish MotoGP circuits.
