Minister Miquel Sàmper stressed during a public appearance that the negotiations on the possible continuity of Formula 1 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya would be carried out under strict confidentiality criteria, and reiterated that the Generalitat would only communicate news when concrete and official data is available. As the original media reported, Sàmper addressed this issue at the Fira de Barcelona 2025 financial press conference and ruled out any agreement to continue the automotive competition beyond the current contract, which remains in force until 2026.
According to the media, Sàmper “strongly” denied the existence of an agreement between the Generalitat and Formula 1 managers to extend the holding of the event at the Catalan circuit after the current deadline. The city council pointed out that none of the information circulated in recent days about a possible agreement with the Formula 1 organization corresponded to reality, referring to reports that suggested an alleged alternating format with the Belgian circuit of Spa-Francorchamps between 2026 and 2031.
During the press conference, which was also attended by the mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni; the President of the Chamber of Barcelona, Josep Santacreu; The president of the Fira de Barcelona, Pau Relat, and the general director of the organization, Constantí Serrallonga, Sàmper emphasized that the dialogue with those responsible for Formula 1 remains open, but no agreement has been signed for the period after 2026. According to the original source, the Generalitat’s head of economics and labor stressed the need to remain cautious and wait for the results of the negotiations before launching any kind of public announcement.
The city council said, according to media reports, that it understood the interest and expectations generated by the future of the Grand Prix at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, but stressed that it was “not true” that a commitment to continuity had already been achieved. He stressed the importance of maintaining discretion as an essential element in the relationship with the F1 promoter. “If one thing was clear in the negotiations with the Formula 1 promoter, it is that they will either be discreet or not,” said Sàmper, quoted by the media.
According to the report, the head of economy and labor also told those present that the Generalitat will officially inform as soon as there are final decisions or relevant progress in the discussions with the competition organization. Sàmper asked both public opinion and the media for patience until he informed the news about the continuity of the event in Catalonia.
The Generalitat’s denial comes after information appeared in the media and platforms suggesting a future agreement for the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya to host the Formula 1 Grand Prix, alternating with Spa-Francorchamps in the next contract cycle. In his response, Sàmper reiterated the inaccuracy of these statements and emphasized the institutional commitment to transparency in line with the confidentiality conditions required in the negotiation process.
In addition, according to the media, the advisor explained that talks with the F1 manager were “advanced” but were at the level of restraint required by those involved. He reiterated the Generalitat’s willingness to disclose any progress once the current phase of dialogue and negotiations is completed.
The information event was also attended by heads of business companies and the Fira de Barcelona organization, who accompanied Sàmper during the media presentation. The presence of personalities such as Jaume Collboni, Josep Santaacreu, Pau Relat and Constantí Serrallonga highlighted the importance of the future of the sporting event both at an institutional level and for the economic fabric of the region.
In summary, with the expansion of the original media, the Generalitat maintains its policy of not commenting on the development of the talks with Formula 1 until an agreement is formalized. Sàmper insisted that all relevant news be communicated first through official channels and within the respect agreed with the competition organizer. According to the press statements, any decision related to the continuation or change of the sporting event in the international calendar will require a formal announcement once the ongoing negotiations have been concluded.
About The Author
