The organisers of the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona remain optimistic about securing a new deal to keep Formula 1 at the Circuit de Catalunya beyond 2026.
While the event is confirmed for 2025 and 2026, from next year it will share the Formula 1 calendar with a new street race in Madrid. The Spanish capital has already secured a long-term contract and will officially hold the title of the Spanish Grand Prix.
With Formula 1 shifting away from its European heartland and introducing a rotational schedule for some historic venues—starting with Spa-Francorchamps—Barcelona's chances of a straightforward contract renewal appear uncertain.
However, Miquel Samper, the Generalitat of Catalonia's business minister, remains hopeful.
He urged patience, suggesting that behind-the-scenes negotiations are progressing well.
"We are having exactly the same conversations as we have had with MotoGP and we have to be patient," he told RAC1.
Samper made his remarks while announcing Barcelona's new MotoGP contract extension through 2031.
"These are negotiations that require silence," he said when asked about discussions with Formula 1.
"Silence is usually a guarantee of success, and it is being done with the same discretion as we have done with all the negotiations for MotoGP, but with the desire for it to have the same final result."
When pressed on whether he is optimistic about a deal, he responded: "Yes, yes."
Meanwhile, RAC1 presenter Jordi Baste revealed that Carlos Sainz—rather than Fernando Alonso—is expected to be named an ambassador for the Madrid Grand Prix.
"Perhaps Alonso did not want to enter into this 'war' because he prefers to race on a circuit—like most drivers," he commented.
