Formula One has secured the future of racing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, announcing a multi-year extension that will observe the Spanish venue remain on the calendar until 2032. The agreement establishes a rotational system with Belgium’s Spa-Francorchamps, ensuring both iconic circuits continue to host Grand Prix events for the foreseeable future. This news arrives as F1 navigates a shifting European landscape, with Madrid recently added to the schedule as a second Spanish Grand Prix host.
The Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix will be held in even-numbered years, specifically 2028, 2030, and 2032, alternating with Spa-Francorchamps. This arrangement follows a January 2025 agreement that saw Spa develop into the first track to adopt a rotational deal with F1. Even as Barcelona will no longer host the Spanish Grand Prix – a title now held by the new circuit in Madrid – its continued presence on the Formula One schedule is a significant outcome for the region and its passionate fanbase.
Barcelona’s Continued Role in Formula One
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya lost its exclusive claim to the Spanish Grand Prix after Formula One announced a ten-year deal to race at the Ifema Madrid exhibition centre, beginning this year. Despite this shift, the track will now be known as the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix during its scheduled race years. The economic impact of Formula One on the Catalonia region is substantial, generating over €300 million (approximately $355 million USD) per event, according to Pol Gibert, chief executive of Circuits de Catalunya SL and general secretary of the Department of Business, and Employment.
Last year’s race at the circuit drew a record crowd of over 300,000 fans, demonstrating the enduring popularity of Formula One in the region. Organizers have also invested in enhancing the fan experience, hosting fan festivals in Plaça de Catalunya for the past two seasons.
Investment and Sustainability at the Circuit
The extension of the contract follows significant investment in the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, including the construction of a circuit rooftop, new hospitality spaces overlooking key turns (nine, ten, and eleven), and improvements to the main straight entrance. The installation of solar panels throughout the venue underscores a commitment to sustainability. In fact, the circuit was recognized as the most sustainable circuit in the world in the fifth edition of the Sustainable Circuits Index (SCI) in 2023, marking the second time it has received this honor.
However, the path to securing this extension wasn’t without its challenges. Stefano Domenicali, president and chief executive of Formula One, previously criticized logistical issues experienced during the 2022 race, citing traffic problems for fans. These concerns prompted organizers to address fan experience improvements as a priority.
“Barcelona is an incredible city, and the Formula One 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 come,” Domenicali stated. “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.”
Gibert added, “We welcome the renewal of the Formula One Grand Prix in Catalonia, at least until 2032. We would like to express our gratitude to Formula One for the trust placed in the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and in the region over all these years. This renewal is the result of a strong relationship and close collaboration, and represents a very important step in further consolidating Catalonia as a key fixture on the international calendar.”
The agreement with Barcelona mirrors a similar rotational arrangement with Spa-Francorchamps, reflecting a strategic approach to maintaining a diverse and compelling Formula One calendar. As F1 continues to evolve, balancing tradition with new venues will be crucial to the sport’s continued success.
Looking ahead, the 2026 season will see Formula One host two Grands Prix in Spain – the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix and the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid. The rotational schedule ensures that both circuits will continue to contribute to the sport’s global appeal and economic impact for years to come. What remains to be seen is how the alternating schedule will impact fan attendance and the overall dynamic of the European racing calendar.
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