Formula 1 set to make formal decision on the future of Barcelona race that also impacts Belgian GP

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The future of Formula 1 hosting a race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and Spa Francorchamps has been up in the air for a while.

The latter of which is loved by the fans, and is one of the most historic venues in the championship. Nestled in the Ardennes forest, it has so much character.

And yet Formula 1 is at a bit of a crossroads with both venues. For 2026, the Spanish Grand Prix will be held in Madrid, leaving the Barcelona-based circuit in a tricky position.

In January this year, a deal was announced confirming that the Belgian Grand Prix would occur every two years from 2027.

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Max Verstappen’s ‘favourite track’ is the Belgian Grand Prix, and it’s a place that his fans seem to pack out every year.

Germany and France were ‘pushing’ for a Formula 1 return, and also have tracks which are popular among fans. However, not much has been heard on that front for some time.

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Formula 1 set to rotate Barcelona race with Spa until 2032

While the 2026 F1 regulations are meant to be a massively exciting time for everyone involved with the championship, it has been a nervy period for a select group.

Those in charge of the Barcelona-based race, which has held a spot on the calendar since 1991, knew that there was a chance 2026 would be their last-ever event.

According to a report from La Vanguardia, they will now get the chance to host races in 2028, 2030, and 2032 as well.

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That puts it on a rotation with the Belgian Grand Prix, and means that two of the older tracks on the current calendar get to remain in the picture for the time being.

The new Spanish Grand Prix, held in Madrid, won’t be held on a rotational basis and has the right to host a race through the 2035 season.

It follows the recent news that Portugal’s Portimao circuit in the Algarve will replace Zandvoort from 2027. Slowly but surely, the calendar is being modified.

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Does the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya deserve to remain on the Formula 1 calendar?

Although the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has been a loyal partner to Formula 1 over the last 35 or so years, it hasn’t always thrown up the most exciting races in recent times.

You have to go back nearly 10 years to remember the last time something properly exciting happened on the first lap, when Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg collided.

Despite modifications, it remains a difficult circuit to overtake on, and traffic around the circuit can be a bit of a problem, too.

Perhaps the new era of Formula 1 cars aligns much better with the track from 2026, but it feels like there are other venues (Istanbul or Hockenheim) that warrant a spot on the calendar a little more.