Spanish Grand Prix

The Spanish Grand Prix takes place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain.

With the inaugural Formula One race taking place in 1991, it’s one of the longest-tenured tracks on the calendar.

It’s also been the home for Formula One testing in the offseason due to its proximity to most of the teams’ bases. This means drivers and teams are very familiar with the track.

The first Formula One Grand Prix at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya was held in 1991.

The circuit was built starting in 1989 as part of the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona to hold the start and finish for road team cycling events.

Prior to coming to Barcelona, the Spanish Grand Prix had been held at multiple other venues: the Circuito Permanente de Jerez (from 1986 to 1990), Jarama Circuit (1968, 1970, 1972, 1974, 1976-1981), Montjuic Street Circuit (1969, 1971, 1973, 1975), and Pedralbes Street Circuit (1951-1954).

The circuit had an incredible debut that featured a close battle between world champions Nigel Mansell and Ayrton Senna down the front straight. It’s seen other thrilling races in the following years.

In 1994, world champion Michael Schumacher finished second despite having only fifth gear for half the race. Two years later, he won his first race for Ferrari in a rainstorm.

In 2006, world champion Fernando Alonso became the first Spaniard to win on his home country’s track.

The layout’s been slightly changed multiple times, starting in 1995 in 2004, 2007, and most recently in 2021.

Another track in Spain, the Valencia Street Circuit, also hosted Grand Prix races from 2008-2012 under the title of the European Grand Prix.

Schumacher and fellow seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton are tied for the most Spanish Grand Prix victories with six each.