Spanish Grand Prix 2025 | History: Tracing the Journey of Spain’s Most Iconic F1 Venues Across Five Different Tracks

The Spanish Grand Prix has been a cornerstone of Formula 1 since its inception in 1951. Over the decades, it has graced five distinct venues, each contributing to the rich history of motosport in Spain.​

Overview of the Spanish Grand Prix 2025

First Grand Prix: 1991

Race dates: May 30 – June 1, 2025

Location: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Montmeló, Spain​

Laps: 66

Circuit Length: 4.657 km 

Race Distance: 307.236 km 

Time Zone: CEST (UTC+2)

Lap Record: 1:16.330 by Max Verstappen (2023) 

Schedule: 

– Friday, May 30: Practice 1 (13:30 – 14:30), Practice 2 (17:00 – 18:00)

– Saturday, May 31: Practice 3 (12:30 – 13:30) & Qualifying (16:00 – 17:00)

– Sunday, June 1: Race (15:00)

A Legacy of Racing Excellence

1. Pedralbes Circuit (1951, 1954)

Located in Barcelona, the Pedralbes Circuit was a 6.3 km street track known for its wide avenues and sweeping corners. It hosted the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix in 1951, where Juan Manuel Fangio clinched his first world title. However, safety concerns following the 1955 Le Mans disaster led to its removal from the calendar.​

2. Jarama Circuit (1968–1981)

Situated near Madrid, the Jarama Circuit was a tight and twisty track that challenged drivers with its narrow layout. It hosted the Grand Prix intermittently between 1968 and 1981. Notably, in 1981, Gilles Villeneuve secured a memorable victory by holding off four faster cars, showcasing his exceptional defensive driving skills.

3. Montjuïc Circuit (1969–1975)

The Montjuïc Circuit, set in the hills of Barcelona, offered a mix of fast straights and challenging corners. It hosted the Grand Prix in alternating years with Jarama. The 1975 race was marred by tragedy when a crash resulted in spectator fatalities, leading to the circuit’s removal from the F1 calendar.​

4. Jerez Circuit (1986–1990)

Located in Andalusia, the Jerez Circuit brought Formula 1 to southern Spain. It hosted the Grand Prix from 1986 to 1990. The 1986 race is remembered for the incredibly close finish between Ayrton Senna and Nigel Mansell, with Senna winning by just 0.014 seconds.​

5. Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya (1991–2025)

Since 1991, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has been the home of the Spanish Grand Prix. Known for its technical layout, it has been a favorite for both racing and testing. The circuit has witnessed numerous memorable moments, including Michael Schumacher’s first win for Ferrari in 1996 under wet conditions.​

A New Chapter Ahead

As we look forward to the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix, it’s essential to appreciate the diverse venues that have shaped its history. Each circuit has left an indelible mark on the sport, contributing to the rich heritage of Formula 1 in Spain.​ Explore the legacy of Spanish motorsport and secure your place at the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix. Email us at bookings@mahospitalityclub.com for exclusive hospitality packages and insider access.