Siesta, Fiesta, Repeat: Race weekend, Spanish style
The Spanish Grand Prix is one of the standout weekends on the F1 calendar. It’s loud, packed with fans, and full of energy. Held just outside Barcelona, the race brings serious atmosphere and home support for Alonso and Sainz. For them, it’s personal. For fans, it’s a weekend of fast cars, big moments, and Spanish pride on full display.
Why the Spanish Grand Prix should be on your F1 bucket listThere’s a reason the Spanish Grand Prix stands out. It’s loud, it’s passionate, and it’s packed with fans who live and breathe Formula 1.
The race takes place at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, about 20 miles outside the city. It’s close enough to enjoy everything Barcelona has to offer, but once you’re at the track, it’s all about the racing. For Spanish drivers like Alonso and Sainz, this one is personal. “The Spanish Grand Prix has always been a special race for me,” Alonso says. “It’s always nice to come home and embrace the amazing atmosphere. The Spanish fans always come out in full force and provide us with additional motivation.” You don’t get that kind of energy everywhere. 
Loud, loyal, and everywhere you look—Spanish fans bring the energy.
When Alonso or Sainz appears, the noise is unreal. The crowd erupts. Flags wave. Smoke fills the air in team colours. It’s a home race, and you can feel how much it means. Both drivers have their own cheering sections, and the support is full-on. There’s plenty of history here too. Verstappen won his first F1 race on this circuit in 2016—at just 18 years old. Hamilton dominated the 2010s with five wins in a row, tying Schumacher’s record for most wins in Spain. I still remember my first Grand Prix here in 1999, when Hakkinen won it for McLaren. That was the start of it all for me. 
Barcelona 2016: Verstappen makes F1 history.
But it’s not just about the race. The whole weekend has a great rhythm. Teams and fans often spend their downtime in the city. Tapas in the Gothic Quarter, a walk down Las Ramblas, or just soaking up the sun by the beach. Barcelona gives the weekend something extra. Ask around the paddock and you’ll hear the same thing: this is a proper test for car and driver. Long corners, tough conditions, and a track that pushes everything to the limit. The Spanish Grand Prix isn’t just another stop in Europe. It’s a homecoming for two beloved drivers, a reunion with some of the sport’s most ardent fans, and a weekend where Spain’s unique spirit is on full display. As Formula 1 relocates the Spanish Grand Prix to Madrid in 2026, it could mark the end of an era for Formula One. Where's the circuit?The Spanish Grand Prix takes place at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. It’s located in Montmeló, a town about 20 miles (32 kilometers) northeast of Barcelona.
You can get there easily by train from central Barcelona, followed by a short walk to the track. 
Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Montmeló
Traveling to Barcelona & the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya: What you need to know
Barcelona International Airport is the main gateway for fans flying in. It’s just a 25-minute drive from the city centre. The airport is well connected, with direct flights from across Europe and further afield.
Driving to the circuit is straightforward. It’s just off the main highway, and there are car parks close to most grandstands. The R2 train line to Maçanet-Massanes runs from central stations like Sants, Passeig de Gràcia, and El Clot-Aragó. Trains depart up to three times an hour on weekdays and twice an hour on weekends. Staying near one of these stations makes travel easier. During race weekend, a dedicated bus service runs between central Barcelona and the circuit. While many race goers can visit Spain without a visa, the exact duration and requirements can vary, so it's advisable to check the specific visa requirements based on your nationality before planning your trip. How many days should you spend at the Spanish Grand Prix?We recommend spending three full days, from Friday to Sunday, at the Spanish Grand Prix to experience everything the event has to offer. Between F1 sessions, you'll also get to enjoy a full schedule of Formula 2, Formula 3, and Porsche Supercup.
Spanish Grand Prix weekend schedule at a glanceHere’s a quick overview of what to expect each day at the Spanish Grand Prix.
Friday is action-packed with Formula 1 practice sessions, along with practice and qualifying sessions for the support series, including Formula 2, Formula 3, and the Porsche Supercup. Saturday begins with the Formula 3 Sprint Race, followed by the Porsche Supercup qualifying, the third F1 practice session, additional support series races, and culminating in the thrilling Formula 1 qualifying session. Sunday features support series races, the drivers' parade, and the highlight of the weekend—the Spanish Grand Prix. 
Drivers' parade
Best places to stay for the Spanish Grand PrixMost F1 fans heading to the Spanish Grand Prix stay in central Barcelona. It’s the easiest way to enjoy both the race and a few extra days in one of Europe’s most exciting cities.
Barcelona has a huge range of hotels, from budget spots to five-star stays. You won’t be short on options. If you’re planning to take the train to the circuit, it’s worth choosing a hotel near a main station like Sants, Passeig de Gràcia, or El Clot-Aragó. It’ll save you time in the mornings and help avoid extra travel. If you’re planning to drive, look for a hotel with good access to the main highways. It’ll make getting to and from the circuit much easier, especially on race day. Some fans base themselves in towns along the Costa Brava. It’s a good option if you want a more relaxed stay near the coast, but make sure to check the transport options to and from the circuit before booking. Camping is also available at the circuit. A few sites even offer pre-pitched tents, so you don’t need to bring your own gear. Check out accommodation options in Barcelona here Check out accommodation options on the Costa Brava here Best grandstands for key moments at the Spanish Grand PrixOvertaking at Barcelona isn’t easy, so choosing the right grandstand can make a big difference. The main straight and the first few corners are where most of the action happens, especially at the start and on DRS-assisted moves.
Main Grandstand The Main Grandstand is the place to soak up the pre-race build-up and the chequered flag. Before the race, you’ll see engineers making final preparations to the cars and the drivers coming and going on the grid. You’ll have a clear view of the pit lane too, making it a great spot for tracking pit stops and strategy. 
Grandstands J, K & Main
Grandstands J & K Located just before Turns 1 and 2, these give you a great look at the speed as cars fly past. They’re close to the pit lane exit too. Views are more limited beyond Turn 1, but you’ll catch the lead-up to the best overtaking zone on the track. Grandstands E & F These are right at the end of the main straight, where most overtakes happen. Grandstand F sits directly at Turn 1, while E is just next to it. From the higher rows, you can see the full length of the straight in one direction and up to Turn 3 in the other. 
Grandstands J, K, E & F
Grandstand T1 & A These wrap around Turn 2. They give you a wide view—down the straight toward the pit lane in one direction, and up through Turn 3 in the other. You’ll see a lot of action here, especially in the first few laps. Grandstand L Set higher up near Turn 5, this grandstand has excellent elevation. You’ll see cars coming through Turns 1 and 2 before they disappear behind the stand, then reappear at Turn 5. It’s one of the better spots for a wider view across sectors 1 and 2. 
Grandstand L
Grandstand M This overlooks the downhill braking zone into Turn 5. It’s a tricky corner where drivers often lock up. You’ll catch the cars coming out of Turn 4 and diving into the hairpin. Grandstand N If you like speed, this is the place. It’s positioned on the approach to Turn 9, one of the fastest corners on the track. You won’t see much of the lap, but you’ll get a close-up view of cars flat out through a big corner. Grandstands G & C These are in the final sector. Cars come into view at Turn 10 and stay visible through the last corners before heading back onto the main straight. 
Grandstands H, G & C
Grandstands H & I Located just before the final corner, these are good if you want to keep an eye on pit strategy. You’ll see who’s diving into the pit lane before they disappear down the main straight. Where next?If you’ve got extra time after the race, Barcelona is the perfect place to stay a little longer. Spend a few more days in the city, head to the coast, or hop on a short flight to Majorca or Ibiza. Whether it’s beaches, food, or a change of pace you’re after, it’s all within easy reach.
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Rob is an experienced independent travel consultant and travel content creator.
His love for Formula One started in the 1990s, watching the greats like Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and Mika Hakkinen. He traveled to his first Grand Prix in 1999. It was the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. Since then, Rob has traveled to over 2/3 of Grand Prix' on the current Formula One calendar. Fast forward to today, and Rob has turned his passion into a career, dedicating his time to helping others plan their dream Formula One trips. His favourite Grand Prix destinations are Austria and Austin, and when he's not attending a Formula One Grand Prix, you'll find him closer to home, walking or cycling in the Peak District National Park. |
