What Barcelona's new alternating deal means for F1 calendar hopefuls
Barcelona's new alternating contract with Spa-Francorchamps, combined with Zandvoort's departure after 2026, creates an opening for one new circuit on the F1 calendar from 2027. With the season capped at 24 races, this represents a rare opportunity for venues hoping to join the schedule.
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has secured its place on the Formula 1 calendar until 2032, but will now alternate years with the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. This rotation, along with the confirmed departure of the Dutch Grand Prix after 2026, opens up a coveted slot for a new or returning circuit to join the F1 schedule as early as 2027.
Why it matters:
With the calendar effectively capped at 24 races, every contract renewal and rotation directly impacts which circuits get a chance to host Formula 1. The Barcelona-Spa alternation creates tangible opportunity in a landscape where new venues often face long waiting lists and significant financial hurdles to entry.
The details:
- The new deal confirms Barcelona will host a Grand Prix every other year through 2032, sharing its calendar slot with the historic Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium.
- The Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort is confirmed to leave the calendar after the 2026 season.
- One of the two openings created by these changes will be filled by the Portuguese Grand Prix at Portimão, which has secured a spot.
- This leaves one highly sought-after slot available for the 2027 season and beyond, assuming F1 maintains its 24-race schedule.
The big picture:
Despite the Concorde Agreement technically allowing for up to 25 races, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has consistently stated the operational maximum is set at 24 events per season. This hard cap intensifies competition among circuits. Established venues like Barcelona and Spa must now share their place, while new candidates from markets like South Africa, South Korea, or other emerging regions will vie for the single remaining opening. The rotation model offers a compromise to preserve classic European races while creating space for new commercial opportunities.
What's next:
The focus now shifts to which circuit will secure the final available slot. Several venues are reportedly in discussions with Formula One Management. The decision will likely hinge on a combination of commercial terms, circuit quality, and the strategic value a new location brings to F1's global expansion. For aspiring tracks, this represents a rare window of opportunity in an increasingly crowded and fixed calendar.