Barcelona and Spa-Francorchamps to Rotate on F1 Calendar Until 2032

The Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is set to remain on the Formula 1 calendar until at least 2032, but under a new rotational agreement with the historic Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, according to reports. This deal would see the two classic European circuits share a single calendar slot from 2028 onward, ensuring their continued presence in an increasingly crowded F1 schedule.

Why it matters:

This rotation model represents a strategic compromise by Formula 1 to preserve historic European tracks that are iconic to the sport's heritage but may face commercial or logistical pressures. By alternating Barcelona and Spa, F1 aims to balance the demand for new venues in growing markets with the fan and driver appeal of classic circuits, preventing either from being dropped entirely. It also reflects a shift towards flexible calendar management to accommodate more races without exceeding a practical limit.

The details:

• The proposed rotation would begin in 2028. Under the current plan, Barcelona would host the Grand Prix in 2028, 2030, and 2032, while Spa-Francorchamps would feature in 2029 and 2031.
• This arrangement differs from Madrid's deal. While Barcelona's future involves rotation, the new Madrid street circuit has secured a separate, uninterrupted long-term contract to host the Spanish Grand Prix from 2026 through 2035.
• The official announcement of the Barcelona-Spa rotation agreement is anticipated soon, following earlier hints from F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali about such a model for certain circuits.
• In related calendar news, the Portuguese Grand Prix at Portimão will officially return for 2027 and 2028, replacing Zandvoort which is scheduled to host its final F1 race in 2026.

The big picture:

The 2025 F1 calendar is poised to feature a record 24 races, highlighting the sport's global expansion. This growth puts pressure on traditional European circuits, which often have shorter contract terms and different financial models compared to state-backed events in new markets. The rotation between Barcelona and Spa creates a blueprint for how F1 might preserve its classic venues. It allows the commercial rights holder to maintain a high number of total events while keeping fan-favorite tracks in the fold, just not every single year.

What's next:

The focus now shifts to the formal confirmation of the rotation deal and how fans and teams adapt to not seeing both circuits annually. The model's success could influence future decisions regarding other classic tracks whose contracts are up for renewal. Furthermore, the arrival of Madrid in 2026 will create a unique dynamic with two Spanish Grands Prix in one year (Barcelona and Madrid), before the rotation with Spa begins, testing the market's capacity for multiple events in the same country.