CIRCUIT'S HISTORY

The Circuit de Catalunya, also known as the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, is a motor racing circuit located in Montmeló, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. The circuit was built in 1991 and has since become one of the most popular venues for both Formula One and MotoGP racing.

Originally constructed as part of a collaboration between the Catalan government, the Royal Automobile Club of Catalonia (RACC), and Montmeló's local council, the track was intended to promote motorsport and the local automotive industry. Its opening coincided with the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, during which the circuit was used for the road team time trial cycling event.

The circuit hosted its first Formula 1 race in 1991, just days after its official inauguration. That debut Grand Prix was instantly memorable, featuring a thrilling wheel-to-wheel duel between Ayrton Senna and Nigel Mansell down the main straight—a moment that has since become iconic in F1 history. From that year onward, the Spanish Grand Prix has been a constant fixture on the Formula 1 calendar at this venue.

Over the decades, the Circuit de Catalunya has played host to countless key moments in motorsport history. Michael Schumacher famously claimed his first Ferrari win here in 1996 under torrential rain, and Fernando Alonso's victories at the track electrified Spanish fans during his championship-winning years. The circuit has also been central to MotoGP history, hosting its first motorcycle Grand Prix in 1996, and has been the scene of unforgettable battles, such as the last-lap clash between Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo in 2009.

Due to its demanding layout, the circuit has long been used as a prime testing venue for Formula 1 teams. Its combination of fast, flowing corners, technical sections, and a long straight provides an ideal benchmark for car performance and balance. This is one of the reasons the track has often been referred to as a "true test" of a car’s capabilities.

The Circuit de Catalunya spans a total length of 4.655 km and consists of 16 corners and two straights, the longest of which measures 1.047 km. The track can be run in five different configurations, accommodating a variety of motorsport disciplines.

Beyond the track itself, the venue boasts extensive facilities for fans, including multiple grandstands, VIP suites, and a museum that celebrates the region’s rich motorsport heritage. Thanks to its close proximity to Barcelona, easy transport links, and fan-friendly atmosphere, the circuit is a favorite among international spectators.

With its mix of technical complexity, historical significance, and passionate crowds, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya remains one of the most respected and complete circuits in the world.

Spanish Grand Prix History

The Spanish Grand Prix is one of the oldest races in motorsport, with roots tracing back to the early 20th century. Since 1991, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has been its permanent home and has witnessed some of the most iconic moments in modern Formula 1.

In recent years, the Spanish GP has served as a crucial race in the championship calendar—both for its technical challenges and its role in car development and performance benchmarking. Memorable victories at the track include breakthrough wins, dominant drives, and strategic masterclasses:

• 2024: Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing-Honda RBPT) delivered a faultless performance, maintaining the lead from start to finish.
• 2023: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) returned to form, taking a strong podium as Verstappen again took victory.
• 2022: Max Verstappen overcame a DRS issue and early spin to win, aided by Red Bull team orders and Charles Leclerc's retirement.
• 2021: Lewis Hamilton claimed victory after a masterful two-stop strategy allowed him to chase down Verstappen in the closing laps.
• 2020: Hamilton cruised to a dominant win in sweltering conditions, managing tires to perfection.

Over the years, some of Formula 1’s greatest drivers have left their mark on Spanish soil:

• Lewis Hamilton – 6 wins (2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021)
• Michael Schumacher – 6 wins (1995, 1996, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004)
• Max Verstappen – 4 wins 2016, 2022, 2023, 2024)
• Nigel Mansell – 3 wins (1987, 1991, 1992)
• Mika Häkkinen – 3 wins (1998, 1999, 2000)
• Ayrton Senna – 2 wins (1986, 1989)
• Fernando Alonso – 2 wins (2006, 2013), becoming a national hero with his first Spanish GP win during his title reign

Ferrari remains the most successful constructor in Spanish Grand Prix history, with 12 victories across different eras.

List of Spanish Grand Prix Winners (F1 Championship Races Only)