Legendary F1 race to be renamed after 113 years as Grand Prix is handed controversial new title

A RACE on the Formula One calendar has been given a name change following the introduction of a new event.

Until now, the annual race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Montmelo, has been called the Spanish Grand Prix.

The annual F1 race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has been renamed from the Spanish GP to the Barcelona-Catalunya GPA new race in Madrid, set to debut next year, will instead be called the Spanish GP

However, with a new race in entering the calendar from next year, it will officially be named the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix going forward.

The , which will debut in September 2026.

Meanwhile, the Barcelona-Catalunya GP is scheduled for June.

Fans have differing views of the name selection for the change, with one person taking to social media to write: “Hey, everyone’s happy, right? Catalan GP at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya (and with the Catalan flag).”;

While another said: “Could be given a hint to remove the local region it’s located in after Barcelona?

“I just noticed it’s the only city on the circuit that has one, and I don’t see the need. It’s to treat them like everyone else and so they don’t feel discriminated against...”;

Prior to the announcement of the official name, Spanish journalist Juanma Castano explained: “Barcelona has more names in the world than Catalonia.

“It’s a much larger land, but if you go to Australia and say Catalonia, they probably don’t know where it is.

“If you say Barcelona, ​​they usually do know where it is.”;

In order to make room for the new Madrid race, the .

The new Spanish GP will be located near the IFEMA Madrid exhibition centre in the Barajas district.

As well as the new race, a new team will be introduced to the grid.

, with Sauber rebranding to Audi.