The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has been in use as a Formula 1 circuit since 1991. Nigel Mansell won the inaugural race, and in 1992, the track also hosted the Olympic time trial during the Barcelona Games. It is also used annually for the Spanish Grand Prix for motorcycles.

Changes in the Circuit Over the Years

In the early years, when the last two turns were a high-speed combination, there was a lot of overtaking in Formula 1 on the Circuit Catalunya. Drivers could follow closely and take advantage of the slipstream on the long straight. However, as the cars began to create more and more dirty air, overtaking drastically decreased. The circuit management intervened and installed a slow chicane in place of the penultimate fast right turn. This last sector has since been cursed by fans and drivers alike, as it is an ugly turn and often causes congestion in qualifying. For 2023, the last sector was restored for Formula 1 with the two fast turns.

Another reason for less action is that teams know the track inside out. For many years, long test sessions were held, and even though unlimited testing was curtailed, F1 continued to come to Barcelona for winter testing. The track’s composition allows teams to experiment a lot: a long straight, fast combinations, hairpins, elevation changes.

Historic Moments at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya

Despite the declining popularity of the Spanish Grand Prix, the Circuit de Catalunya has been the stage for historic races. For instance, the iconic image of Nigel Mansell and Ayrton Senna racing side by side into turn 1. Or Michael Schumacher’s first Ferrari victory in 1996, when the German won in pouring rain. Or the sight of Mika Hakkinen on course for a win in 2006 until his McLaren failed in the last lap. Pastor Maldonado claimed his only victory here in 2012, and of course, Max Verstappen’s debut victory for Red Bull.

In 2022, Charles Leclerc was on his way to victory from pole position. Max Verstappen, starting from P2, briefly lost control of his Red Bull due to a gust of wind and visited the gravel trap. He also encountered a problem with his DRS, which hindered his recovery race. Leclerc’s Ferrari engine suddenly failed, after which George Russell and later Sergio Perez took the lead. Perez was instructed to let his faster teammate Verstappen pass after a third stop, as the Dutchman was on a strategy, according to the explanation. “Not fair,” grumbled Perez, who complied. The two Red Bulls were joined on the podium by Russell.

In 2023, Max Verstappen put on a gala performance in Spain. The Dutchman outclassed the field and won the Spanish Grand Prix for the second year in a row.

Some Facts About the Spanish Grand Prix:

• Opening: 1991
• First F1 race: 1991
• Location: Barcelona
• Length: 4.657 km
• Number of turns: 14
• Most victories: Schumacher and Hamilton (6)
• Lap record: Max Verstappen (1:16.330 in 2023)

List of Spanish GP Winners:

• 2023: Max Verstappen
• 2022: Max Verstappen
• 2021: Lewis Hamilton
• 2020: Lewis Hamilton
• 2019: Lewis Hamilton
• 2018: Lewis Hamilton

Start Times for the 2024 Spanish GP:

Friday, June 21

13:30 – 14:30 First free practice
17:00 – 18:00 Second free practice

Saturday, June 22

12:30 – 13:30 Third free practice
16:00 – 17:00 Qualification

Sunday, June 23

15:00 – 17:00 Race