Formula 1 secures Barcelona through 2032 under Spa rotation model

The championship confirms alternating European rounds while safeguarding two historic venues on the calendar.

Formula 1 has redefined its long-term presence in Spain through a multi-year agreement securing races at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya through 2032, operating on a rotation basis with the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. The Catalan venue will host Grands Prix in 2026, 2028, 2030, and 2032, as part of an alternating structure designed to balance Europe’s traditional strongholds.

Beginning this season, the event will officially carry the name Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, reinforcing both regional identity and long-term stability.

The extension follows a period of structural upgrades at the circuit, including the introduction of the Circuit Rooftop (an elevated hospitality platform overlooking key technical sectors of the layout) and the installation of solar panels across multiple areas of the facility, investments aimed at enhancing premium experience and energy efficiency.

Opened in 1991 as part of the 1992 Olympic development program, the circuit is defined by its mix of high- and low-speed corners (sections that demand aerodynamic balance and mechanical stability), historically making it a technical benchmark for teams and drivers. It was also the site of Max Verstappen’s maiden Formula 1 victory in 2016.

Embed from Getty Images

Attendance figures remain significant. In 2025, the race weekend drew 300,000 fans, with Oscar Piastri taking victory ahead of Lando Norris. From the current grid, Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso have also won in Barcelona.

Organizers have also strengthened the city connection through a fan festival held at Plaça de Catalunya ahead of race weekend, an initiative set to return in 2026.

Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali welcomed the extension: “Barcelona is an incredible city, and the fans there always welcome us with tremendous passion. I’m delighted that we will continue racing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for years to come.”

From the local leadership, Pol Gibert emphasized the strategic dimension of the agreement: “This renewal is the result of strong collaboration and represents a very important step in consolidating Catalonia as a key fixture on the international calendar.” He added that the Grand Prix generates more than €300 million per edition, while projecting the region globally.

Under this alternating structure, Formula 1 safeguards two iconic European venues while reinforcing a clear direction: preserve heritage, optimize rotation, and sustain growth without calendar saturation.