Barcelona Secures F1 Future Through 2032 in Rotational Deal with Spa
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has extended its Formula 1 contract through 2032, agreeing to share a calendar slot with Spa-Francorchamps in a rotational deal. The Spanish GP, rebranded as the Barcelona-Catalunya GP, will be held in 2026, 2028, 2030, and 2032, following major circuit upgrades aimed at improving sustainability and the fan experience.
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will remain a fixture on the Formula 1 calendar through 2032, having secured a new rotational agreement with Belgium's Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. The Spanish Grand Prix will be rebranded as the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix starting this year and is confirmed for the 2026, 2028, 2030, and 2032 seasons.
Why it matters:
This deal provides long-term stability for one of F1's most traditional European venues while embracing the sport's modern strategy of rotation to manage calendar growth. It ensures the continuation of a classic event that serves as a critical technical benchmark for teams and a beloved destination for fans, balancing Barcelona's Mediterranean appeal with Spa's legendary challenge in the Ardennes.
The details:
The renewal follows significant investment by the circuit to modernize the fan experience and infrastructure, which was a key factor in securing its future.
- Fan Experience Upgrades: Major recent investments include the launch of the 'Circuit Rooftop,' a premium hospitality area with views of turns 9-11, and a large-scale installation of solar panels to boost the venue's sustainability credentials.
- Proven Popularity: The circuit continues to draw massive crowds, with over 300,000 spectators attending the 2025 event. The popular fan festival in Barcelona's Plaça de Catalunya is also scheduled to return in 2026 to better connect the city with the race.
- Historical Significance: Built for the 1992 Olympics, the track has been a part of F1 since 1991 and has been the scene of iconic moments, most notably Max Verstappen's debut F1 victory in 2016.
The big picture:
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali praised the circuit's commitment and the passion of local fans, highlighting the investment as a model for other venues. The rotational system with Spa allows F1 to maintain a strong European core—often called the sport's "heart"—while accommodating new events globally. It represents a pragmatic solution to calendar congestion, preserving two historic tracks by having them share a single slot.
What's next:
The immediate focus is on the upcoming 2025 Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix in June. Looking further ahead, the rotational schedule is now locked in, with fans able to plan for visits to Barcelona in even-numbered years from 2026 onward. This agreement sets a potential precedent for how other classic European circuits might secure their long-term futures on an increasingly crowded and global F1 calendar.