Spa-Francorchamps F1: 75 Years of History & Future of the Belgian Grand Prix

Barcelona will continue to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, but in a rotational schedule with Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium, following a six-year contract extension announced Monday, February 16, 2026.

The agreement ensures Barcelona’s presence on the F1 calendar in 2026, 2028, 2030, and 2032, alternating with Spa-Francorchamps, which will host races in 2026, 2027, 2029, and 2031, according to a statement from Formula 1.

The future of the Barcelona circuit had been questioned following the introduction of a fresh street race in Madrid, scheduled to begin this September. However, significant investment in the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, including a new hospitality space, solar panel installations, and fan festivals, contributed to the renewal, according to Formula 1 President & CEO Stefano Domenicali.

“Barcelona is an incredible city, and the Formula 1 fans there always welcome us with such passion, so I am delighted that we will continue to race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for years to come,” Domenicali said. “The team have invested heavily in the circuit and hosted fantastic fan festivals in recent years, so we look forward to seeing how they continue to develop the experience, both for attendees at the race and for the city as a whole.”

The rotational system was first introduced with Spa-Francorchamps last year, and Barcelona has now been confirmed as its partner. Vanessa Maes, head of Spa GP, the organization promoting the Belgian Grand Prix, stated that the announcement does not alter plans for the Belgian race. “The announcement of the rotation with Barcelona changes strictly nothing for us,” Maes said. “We are always in close contact with F1, and we continue to discuss the future of the GP.”

Spa-Francorchamps is preparing for the 2026 race, scheduled for July 17-19, with an increased daily spectator capacity of 115,000, up from 113,000. As of February 16, 2026, 76,000 tickets have been sold for the event.

Both circuits will feature on the 2026 calendar before the rotation begins. The Belgian Grand Prix’s contract was previously extended to 2031 in January 2025.