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The future of top-level racing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has been clarified by a new multi-year agreement that slots the venue into the Formula 1 calendar on a rotational basis with Belgium’s Spa-Francorchamps. Under the deal, the event held at the Catalan track will be officially called the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, and additional race dates have been confirmed beyond the circuit’s previously scheduled slot in 2026. The arrangement balances the circuit’s historic standing with Formula 1’s evolving global calendar strategy and reflects significant local investment that strengthened Barcelona’s bid to remain a host.
Organisers and F1 management emphasised both the sporting and community aspects of the renewal. The extension formalises selected future races for Barcelona while establishing a pattern where Spa and Barcelona alternate hosting duties. Equally important, it recognises improvements at the venue—modernised hospitality, sustainability measures and enhanced fan experiences—that helped secure long-term collaboration between the circuit, regional authorities and Formula 1.
What the agreement covers
The compact of dates places Barcelona on the schedule for additional editions beyond 2026, with specific Grand Prix years allocated as part of a rotation with Spa-Francorchamps. This rotational model means each circuit will host certain seasons while sharing the wider European footprint of the sport. The negotiated structure keeps both circuits visible to fans and preserves historic venues in a way that accommodates Formula 1’s cap on the total number of annual races, and provides organisers with breathing room to negotiate future events and international expansion.
Upgrades, sustainability and fan focus
Barcelona’s renewed hosting role follows a sequence of targeted upgrades at the track. Among these investments is the new Circuit Rooftop, a hospitality facility that overlooks turns nine through eleven and the run into the main straight, designed to improve spectator amenities and hospitality offerings. Additionally, solar arrays have been installed across the complex as part of an environmental push to reduce the circuit’s carbon footprint. Promoters have also widened the scope of public-facing initiatives, staging a popular fan festival in Plaça de Catalunya ahead of recent race weekends to bring the event into the city and engage a broader audience.
Economic and cultural impact
Officials highlight the event’s contribution to the regional economy as a key justification for continued hosting. Local organisers estimate that each Grand Prix edition generates more than €300 million in economic activity for Catalonia, including tourism, hospitality and related services. Beyond raw figures, Catalan leaders say the race enhances the international profile of the region and demonstrates an ability to stage high-profile sporting events that attract global attention and visitors.
Memorable moments and recent race highlights
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has been part of Formula 1 since its early 1990s development and has produced a wide range of racing memories. The track’s combination of fast sweepers and technical low-speed sections has been the scene of notable first wins and championship-defining performances: Max Verstappen’s debut Grand Prix victory, as well as triumphs by drivers such as Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, are part of its legacy. In 2026, the weekend drew approximately 300,000 fans, witnessing Oscar Piastri secure victory with teammate Lando Norris completing a one-two finish for their team—evidence of the event’s ongoing popularity.
Leadership and local voices
Formula 1’s leadership praised Barcelona’s atmosphere and organisational work, calling out the track’s investments and the strong welcome from local supporters. Stefano Domenicali, the President & CEO of Formula 1, highlighted the city’s passion and the circuit’s recent initiatives as central to the renewal. On the Catalan side, Pol Gibert, CEO of Circuits de Catalunya SL and General Secretary of the Department of Business and Employment, described the agreement as a continuation of close cooperation and a step toward consolidating Catalonia’s role on the international sporting map.
The Barcelona-Spa rotation mirrors past F1 strategies that balanced multiple historic venues while managing limited calendar capacity. It reflects financial and logistical realities for some European circuits and preserves options for Formula 1 to explore new markets. For fans, the arrangement guarantees more chapters of high-speed action at Barcelona over the coming years while keeping Spa as a recurring classic on the calendar.
With the renewal in place, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will continue to host world-class racing on designated years, combining upgraded facilities, strong fan engagement and strategic planning that aligns regional priorities with Formula 1’s long-term direction. The Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix name, the improved infrastructure and the rotational schedule with Spa ensure that the venue remains a meaningful part of the sport’s European heritage.