The Barcelona Grand Prix will stage its final race for the foreseeable future on Sunday, as Formula 1 prepares to implement a significant scheduling change. The race, which has been a staple of the F1 calendar for decades, will be temporarily removed next year as part of a new rotational agreement with the Belgian Grand Prix.
F1 Confirms Rotational Calendar for Barcelona and Spa
In February 2026, Formula 1 announced an extension of its contract with the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya through 2032. However, the new deal stipulates that the Spanish venue will now share its race slot with the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on a biennial basis. Starting in 2027, Spa will host races in odd-numbered years, meaning Barcelona will return in 2028, followed by 2030 and 2032.
Impact on the 2026 Season
This weekend's race marks the first time the event is officially called the Barcelona Grand Prix, following the renaming after Madrid took over as the host of the Spanish Grand Prix. It will be the seventh race of the 2026 season, with Kimi Antonelli aiming to extend his championship lead. The Mercedes driver has been dominant this year, but Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton is expected to challenge after consecutive second-place finishes in Canada and Monaco.
McLaren's Oscar Piastri won last year's race ahead of teammate Lando Norris, but the spotlight is now on Antonelli as he seeks a sixth straight victory.
Historic Venue Faces New Era
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya opened in 1991 and hosted the Spanish Grand Prix for 34 consecutive years until 2025. It has also been a key venue for pre-season testing, giving drivers extensive familiarity with its layout. F1 President Stefano Domenicali praised the city and circuit, stating, "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."
Madrid Takes Over Annual Spanish GP
Madrid's new circuit, the Madring, signed a contract with F1 to host races annually until 2035, which led to Barcelona sharing its slot with Spa. This is the first season since 2012 that Spain has hosted two Grands Prix. The rotational deal ensures both historic circuits remain on the calendar while accommodating new venues.
Sunday's race will be a bittersweet moment for fans, as the Barcelona Grand Prix bids farewell for now, with the next edition not scheduled until 2028.
