The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has signed a new deal with Formula 1. The premier category announced on Monday a multi-year partnership, meaning that — alongside the next edition in 2026 — a Grand Prix will also be run on Catalan asphalt in 2028, 2030 and 2032. From this season the event will carry the name Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix. The Spanish GP is moving as of this year to the new Madring in Madrid.
The Spanish race will rotate under the new setup with the Belgian GP at Spa-Francorchamps, which is scheduled for 2026, 2027, 2029 and 2031. An extension of the partnership had long been expected, although Barcelona was not guaranteed an F1 contract after the announcement of a new Grand Prix in the Spanish capital. In recent years the circuit has received substantial investment, which sparked renewed interest from Formula 1.
Major investments
For example, the Circuit Rooftop was introduced — a new hospitality space with views over turns 9, 10 and 11 and the entry to the main straight. Solar panels have also been installed across the entire venue. The organisers have been prioritising modernisation and sustainability for some time, with extra focus on the fan experience in and around Barcelona. The supporting programme has been expanded in recent years to keep the event appealing. For Dutch motorsport fans the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has long carried extra significance: it was the setting for Max Verstappen’s first Grand Prix victory in 2016.
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali reacted with delight to the extension. “Barcelona is an incredible city and Formula 1 fans always welcome us there with so much passion,” he said in a press release. “I’m pleased that we will continue to race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for years to come. The circuit’s management has invested heavily in the venue and in recent years has organised fantastic fan festivals. We therefore look forward to seeing how the event will develop further.” There is also satisfaction from the Catalan side. Pol Gibert, CEO of the circuit, stressed the importance of the event for the region: “We welcome the extension of the Grand Prix in Catalonia, at least until 2032. We want to thank Formula 1 for the trust they have placed over the years in the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and the region.”
