Barcelona Secures 5-Year Formula 1 Race Deal for Spanish Grand Prix

A city famous for its culture, art and sport will continue to host Formula 1 Grands Prix through at least the 2026 season.

Formula 1 confirmed on Friday that a new five-year deal has been agreed for the championship’s Spanish Grand Prix to remain at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The circuit, located in the district of Montmeló to the north of the city, has held Formula 1 races since 1991, the year of its construction.

Only Britain’s Silverstone, Hungary’s Hungaroring and Italy’s Monza have had longer unbroken streaks on Formula 1’s calendar. Spain’s extension is the latest in a series of deals recently agreed by Formula 1 as it continues to shape its calendar long-term.

Miami is joining as a second U.S. event next year while Saudi Arabia and Qatar have signed 10-year deals. Russia’s round will move from Sochi to Igora Drive from 2023 while China is due to return on a three-year deal to make up for the canceled 2020-22 events. Next year’s schedule will feature 23 events and there are expectations that could swell to 25 in future seasons.

The future of the Spanish Grand Prix appeared uncertain in recent years owing to the greater involvement of the city council, regional politics and the desire to make the event more profitable.

Its multi-year deal expired in 2019 but in both 2020 and 2021 it received one-year reprieves to remain part of the schedule. 2020’s round was held without a crowd while only 1,000 fans were permitted access to 2021’s race in May owing to the pandemic. Officials outlined they were working towards a revised multi-year contract.