Two race tracks that have long seemed irreplaceable to the Formula 1 World Championship,
Barcelona and Spa-Francorchamps, will alternate on the F1 calendar in the coming years.
The Belgian venue would prefer to return as a permanent fixture in the future, a view widely shared by both drivers and fans.
Barcelona, on the other hand, is seen as easier to rotate out, as Spain’s main Grand Prix will now be held in Madrid.
Barcelona will remain part of Formula 1 until 2032, after the organizers of the race in Montmeló extended their contract with the championship’s management.
However, the Catalan Grand Prix will now take place only every other year, alternating on the calendar with Spa-Francorchamps.
This year’s race in Barcelona is scheduled for 14 June, after which it will return in 2028, 2030, and 2032.
Spa is on the calendar this season on 19 July and will then host races in 2027, 2029, and 2031.
The Barcelona race was among those previously considered for removal from the calendar.
One of the reasons is that the rights to host Formula 1 races in Spain were awarded to Madrid through 2025,
with the Spanish Grand Prix set to be held there for the first time on 13 September this year.
However, significant investments in the circuit helped the Catalan organizers convince F1 management
to keep their track in the sport’s premier racing series.
“Barcelona is an incredibly beautiful city, and the fans welcome us with tremendous passion every year.”
This was highlighted by Stefano Domenicali as one of the key reasons for extending the contract.
He also added that the Catalan organizers put on a fantastic festival for motorsport fans every year.
