Barcelona Battles to Secure Its Spot as 2026 F1 Calendar Takes Shape

The future of Formula 1 in Barcelona is facing big changes. The 2025 Spanish Grand Prix at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will be the last under the current contract, with the event’s title moving to Madrid starting in 2026.

Organizers in Barcelona are still hopeful about hosting Formula 1 races again, even as the official Spanish Grand Prix heads to a brand-new circuit near Madrid’s Barajas airport. In 2025, fans will see both Barcelona and Madrid on the F1 schedule, but after that, Spain is expected to return to just one race per year.

This change brings Barcelona’s long history in F1 into question, but the track owners are staying positive. Ignasi Armengol, representing the group managing the Barcelona facility, remains confident.

He pointed out that the relationship with F1’s management is strong and open, saying talks with Formula One Management (FOM) continue to be constructive. Barcelona’s race organizers are in regular contact with Madrid’s team too and describe the relationship as friendly.

Both cities are preparing for future races, but Barcelona faces challenges. Several upgrades, such as a new train station near the track, remain unfinished.

These delays have allowed the Madrid project to move ahead and become the new home of the Spanish Grand Prix. The decision about what name Barcelona’s event might carry from 2026 is expected soon.

Local leaders may use “Catalan Grand Prix,” a name already linked to their MotoGP event. Those leading the negotiations in Barcelona say their goal is to keep an annual race on the F1 calendar, although that will depend on agreements with local and national governments.

The possibility also exists that F1 will rotate races among some European venues, which could give Barcelona a chance in certain years. This rotation system has already involved circuits like Belgium and Imola.

Work is also happening off the track as Formula 1 builds its 2026 calendar. The season will open in Melbourne in March.

Because of Ramadan, races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will happen in April, after events in China and Japan. The home of the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal will move from June to late May to help link with Miami, although the races will not run on back-to-back weekends.

Monaco’s famous race moves from its traditional spot in late May to early June to fit these changes. The second part of the 2026 season won’t have major changes, apart from Madrid replacing Imola for a late September date.

Construction is ongoing on the new Madrid facility, and work is on pace for its F1 debut. Looking forward, Thailand is working toward joining the Formula 1 calendar after 2028.

Local officials are discussing a semi-permanent circuit near Bangkok, and Red Bull Thailand is involved in those efforts. The reshuffle of races reflects Formula 1’s plan to keep its schedule balanced and accessible.

As one of F1’s best-known tracks, Barcelona’s fight to remain in the spotlight continues. The results will depend on further talks and how well both Madrid and Barcelona can show they are ready to host world-class events.

As the calendar takes shape, fans around the world are watching to see where their favorite teams will race next.