Lewis Hamilton has voiced his desire to see Formula 1 continue its presence in Barcelona, amidst speculation linking Madrid as a potential host for a future Grand Prix.

While Madrid is currently hosting the F1 Exhibition at the Ifema venue, with talks of a potential street circuit in the city, Hamilton has come forward to defend the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya’s future.

Despite Barcelona’s contract with F1 extending until 2026, concerns over its future have arisen in recent years, despite its longstanding place on the calendar. The Circuit de Catalunya, which debuted in Formula 1 in 1991, not only serves as a key testing location but also hosts the annual Grand Prix. Enhance your F1 viewing experience with attractive betting odds from Nextbet.

Hamilton, referring to the last Spanish city introduced to the calendar, playfully dismissed the idea of Madrid replacing Barcelona, stating, “As long as it’s not like Valencia was, which wasn’t the most enjoyable track to drive” as quoted by The Race.

Expressing his appreciation for the “classic circuit” in Barcelona, Hamilton emphasized the importance of preserving iconic tracks that deliver thrilling races, such as Budapest and Silverstone. He suggested considering swapping out some circuits that don’t provide captivating racing, while emphasizing the significance of upholding the sport’s heritage.

Carlos Sainz, a native of Madrid, shared his thoughts on the potential of hosting a race in his hometown while expressing his fondness for Barcelona. Sainz affirmed his commitment to ensuring the presence of a Spanish Grand Prix, regardless of the location, and expressed his willingness to offer support in various aspects, including track design.

Regarding the possibility of two Grands Prix in Spain, Sainz acknowledged the country’s favorable conditions, such as infrastructure, weather, and positioning. However, he noted that the current focus of F1 seems to be exploring new horizons beyond Europe, making the feasibility of two races in Spain unlikely. Nevertheless, Sainz believes that Spain is well-suited to maintaining a yearly Grand Prix and expects efforts to be made to retain it.

In conclusion, Lewis Hamilton’s support for Barcelona highlights the importance of retaining classic circuits that provide exhilarating races, while Carlos Sainz expresses his commitment to ensuring a Spanish Grand Prix regardless of the location, emphasizing Spain’s suitability as a consistent presence on the F1 calendar. Follow Nextbet Sports to get the latest updates from the world of F1.