Will Barcelona Host F1 Races Until 2032?

The Circuit de Catalunya will continue to host Formula One races until 2032, alternating with the Belgian Grand Prix. Despite losing the Spanish Grand Prix to the new Madrid circuit, the Barcelona venue will still feature the renamed Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix in June 2026, along with races in 2028, 2030, and 2032. This decision highlights the ongoing significance of the circuit in the F1 calendar.

Last updated: 12 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona has secured its future in Formula One racing, with a new agreement ensuring that it will host races until 2032. The venue will alternate with the famed Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, which has a rich history in F1. This agreement comes despite recent changes to the Spanish Grand Prix's location, which will move to Madrid starting in 2026.

Key takeaways

The Circuit de Catalunya will host F1 races until 2032.
It will alternate with the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.
A new hospitality area, the Circuit Rooftop, has been added to enhance the fan experience.
Over 300,000 fans attended the race weekend in 2025, demonstrating the circuit's popularity.
The Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix will take place in June 2026.

Timeline: how we got here

The Circuit de Catalunya has been a mainstay in Formula One since its opening in 1991. Here’s a brief timeline of significant milestones:

1991: The Circuit de Catalunya opens and hosts the Spanish Grand Prix.
2016: Max Verstappen claims his first F1 victory at the circuit.
2025: Over 300,000 fans attend the race weekend, showcasing the event's popularity.
2026: The Spanish Grand Prix moves to Madrid, but the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix is scheduled for June.
2023: A new deal is struck to ensure races at the Circuit de Catalunya until 2032.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent developments confirm that the Circuit de Catalunya will remain a part of the Formula One calendar until 2032, alternating with the Belgian Grand Prix. The new hospitality offerings and infrastructure improvements reflect ongoing investment in the venue.

What was already established

The Circuit de Catalunya has long been recognised as a significant venue in motorsport, hosting several key races since its establishment. Its popularity among fans and its role in F1 history have been well-documented, particularly with the successes of drivers like Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton, both of whom have won six times at this circuit.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The ongoing presence of F1 in Barcelona is likely to have positive implications for UK motorsport fans, with increased accessibility to live events and potential travel opportunities for those wishing to attend the races. The economic impact of the races can also benefit the broader UK economy through tourism and related sectors.

Businesses and jobs

Local businesses around the Circuit de Catalunya will benefit from the influx of visitors during race weekends. The substantial attendance figures, such as over 300,000 in 2025, suggest a healthy economic boost for hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets in the region.

Policy and regulation

This agreement to host races until 2032 signifies a commitment to the sport's growth within Spain, encouraging discussions about future investments and infrastructure improvements not just in Barcelona, but also in Madrid with the new Grand Prix location.

Numbers that matter

300,000: The number of fans who attended the race weekend in 2025.
£261 million: Estimated economic impact generated for the region each time the race is held.
6: The number of times both Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton have won at the Circuit de Catalunya.
1991: The year the Circuit de Catalunya was built.
2032: The year until which Barcelona will host Formula One races, as per the new agreement.

Definitions and jargon buster

Grand Prix: A major international motor racing event.
F1: Abbreviation for Formula One, the highest class of single-seater auto racing.
Circuit de Catalunya: A motor racing circuit located in Montmelo, near Barcelona, Spain.
Spa-Francorchamps: A famous racing circuit in Belgium known for its challenging layout and rich history in F1.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Fans can look forward to upcoming events and announcements related to the new hospitality offerings at the Circuit de Catalunya, enhancing the experience for those planning to attend races in the near future.

Medium term (1–6 months)

The transition of the Spanish Grand Prix to Madrid will be closely monitored, along with the response from fans and stakeholders regarding the shift. Additionally, further developments regarding the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix will emerge as planning progresses.

Signals to watch

Fan attendance numbers for upcoming races.
Investment announcements from the Circuit de Catalunya management.
Feedback from fans regarding their experiences at the circuit.

Practical guidance

Do

Plan ahead for accommodation and travel to attend races at the Circuit de Catalunya.
Stay updated on F1 announcements regarding race schedules and events.
Explore hospitality options for an enhanced race experience.

Don’t

Don’t miss out on early ticket sales, as they can sell out quickly.
Don’t underestimate the potential traffic and crowd sizes during race weekends.
Don’t ignore local businesses that may be offering special promotions during races.

Checklist

Check race dates and plan your visit accordingly.
Book accommodation early to secure the best rates.
Research travel options to ensure smooth access to the circuit.
Follow F1 news for updates on the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.
Consider hospitality packages for a premium race day experience.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the agreement to continue hosting F1 races in Barcelona until 2032 is a positive development, the actual impact of the Spanish Grand Prix moving to Madrid remains to be seen. Factors such as public reception, logistical challenges, and the economic effects on both locations could influence future decisions. Furthermore, ongoing global economic conditions may also affect attendance and sponsorships.

Bottom line

The retention of the Circuit de Catalunya on the F1 calendar until 2032 ensures that Barcelona remains a vital hub for motorsport fans. With significant investments and a bustling atmosphere surrounding race weekends, the circuit will continue to attract fans and boost the local economy. As changes unfold, both fans and stakeholders will need to stay informed about developments in the region.

FAQs

Will the Circuit de Catalunya host the Spanish Grand Prix in 2026?

No, the Spanish Grand Prix will move to Madrid in 2026, but the Circuit de Catalunya will host the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix that year.

How many times have Schumacher and Hamilton won at the Circuit de Catalunya?

Both Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton have won six times at the Circuit de Catalunya, showcasing their dominance on this track.

What is the Circuit Rooftop?

The Circuit Rooftop is a new hospitality area at the Circuit de Catalunya, providing an elevated view of key turns and enhancing the spectator experience during race weekends.