Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya has secured its place on the Formula 1 calendar for the long term, reaching an agreement to continue hosting the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix in rotation with the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps until at least 2032. The deal, announced Monday, February 16, 2026, ensures the Spanish circuit remains a fixture in the sport despite the recent addition of a second Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid.
The extension confirms races in Barcelona for 2028, 2030, and 2032, adding to the already scheduled event in 2026. This arrangement allows Formula 1 to maintain a presence in both Spain and Belgium, two historically significant venues for the sport. The agreement follows substantial investment in the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, including the construction of the Circuit Rooftop hospitality space and the installation of solar panels throughout the facility.
A Rotational Approach to Historic Venues
The decision to rotate the Grand Prix between Barcelona and Spa-Francorchamps reflects a strategic approach by Formula 1 to balance tradition with the demands of a growing global schedule. Spa will host races in 2027, 2029, and 2031. This rotational system allows both circuits to benefit from the prestige and economic impact of hosting a Formula 1 race, while also addressing logistical challenges and ensuring a diverse calendar. The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, built in 1991 as part of the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games development program, has been a mainstay of the F1 calendar for decades.
The news comes after Madrid was added to the F1 schedule as the Spanish Grand Prix, starting in September of this year, under a deal running until 2035. This initially raised concerns about the future of the Barcelona circuit, but the fresh agreement ensures it will continue to play a vital role in the sport. The Barcelona race will be officially named the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, differentiating it from the Madrid event.
Investment and Fan Experience
Recent years have seen significant investment in the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, aimed at enhancing both the racing experience and the overall fan experience. The construction of the Circuit Rooftop, offering views of turns 9, 10, and 11, and the main straight entrance, along with the installation of solar panels, demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and modernizing the facilities. In 2025, the race weekend attracted 300,000 fans, with Oscar Piastri taking victory and Lando Norris finishing second. Notable past winners at the circuit include Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, and Fernando Alonso.
Organizers have also focused on engaging the local community, hosting a fan festival in Plaça de Catalunya in Barcelona ahead of the Grand Prix weekend for the past two years, with plans to continue the event in 2026. This initiative aims to broaden the appeal of Formula 1 and connect with fans beyond the race track.
Domenicali Praises Barcelona’s Passionate Fanbase
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali expressed his enthusiasm for the continued partnership with Barcelona. “Barcelona is an incredible city, and the Formula 1 fans there always welcome us with such passion, so I am delighted that we will continue to race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for years to reach,” Domenicali said, according to Formula 1’s official website. “The team have invested heavily in the circuit and hosted fantastic fan festivals in recent years, so we look forward to seeing how they continue to develop the experience, both for attendees at the race and for the city as a whole.”
The agreement underscores Formula 1’s commitment to maintaining a strong presence in Europe while expanding its global reach. The combination of the Barcelona and Madrid races, alongside the continued presence of Spa-Francorchamps, ensures a diverse and exciting calendar for fans and teams alike.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on the preparations for the 2026 season and the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid. The successful integration of both Spanish races will be crucial for the long-term success of Formula 1 in the region. Fans can anticipate a thrilling few years as the sport continues to evolve and adapt to a changing landscape.
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