Formula 1 has finalised a new agreement with the promoters of the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, ensuring the event at Montmelo remains on the schedule for three of the forthcoming six years.
As Barcelona entered the concluding year of its current agreement, it faced significant pressure to upgrade its aging infrastructure and secure its future spot on the racing roster.
Concurrently, the Montmelo track had already relinquished the title of the Spanish Grand Prix to a new event in Madrid, scheduled to commence this September at the still-developing Madring circuit.
Despite intense rivalry for the limited European positions, both Barcelona city authorities and the Catalan administration expressed a strong desire to finance the continuation of the competition on the schedule.
An arrangement has now been struck for it to participate in F1’s European rotation alongside the Belgian Grand Prix, alternating with Spa-Francorchamps throughout the upcoming six years.
Spa is scheduled to host F1 in 2027, 2029, and 2031, whereas Barcelona will assume the identical timeframe in 2028, 2030, and 2032. This agreement appears likely to largely diminish Spa’s immediate prospects of securing a permanent yearly contract, as Belgian organisers had sought to revert their rotating position into an annual fixture.
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Photo by: Erik Junius
Pol Gibert, CEO of Circuits de Catalunya SL, stated, “This extension stems from a robust relationship and close teamwork, marking a highly significant stride in further cementing Catalonia’s standing as a pivotal presence on the global calendar.”
He further noted that “each Formula 1 event yields an economic effect exceeding €300 million, but more importantly, it serves as a strategic occasion that helps showcase Catalonia globally as a nation capable of staging premier sporting contests.”
Stefano Domenicali, F1 CEO and president, commented: “Barcelona stands as a remarkable metropolis, and its Formula 1 enthusiasts consistently greet us with immense zeal, therefore I am pleased that our racing will persist at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for many upcoming years.
He continued, “The circuit’s management has made substantial investments in the venue and organised superb fan celebrations recently, hence we anticipate observing their ongoing efforts to enhance the overall experience, both for event participants and for the entire city.”
Earlier reports indicated that the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort would stage its last occurrence in 2026, with the Portuguese Grand Prix at Portimao re-entering to occupy its position in 2027 and 2028.
With Barcelona and Spa occupying an identical period, an additional vacancy remains to be filled on the 2027, 24-race schedule, and the reintroduction of the Turkish Grand Prix in Istanbul is considered a viable possibility.
