Why Spain will host two F1 races in 2026 and what Madrid means for Barcelona
Formula 1 is coming to Madrid for the first time with the new Madring circuit hosting the Spanish Grand Prix. But F1 fans might find it a bit confusing since Spain already had a race this year—Lewis Hamilton won at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya back in June.
The reason Spain has two races in 2026 is pretty simple, and the arrival of Madrid doesn’t mean Barcelona is disappearing from the calendar.
Here’s why: F1 signed a deal in early 2024 to race in Madrid from 2026 to 2035. But Barcelona still has a contract to hold races until 2026, so both are happening. To avoid confusion, each race has its own name—Madrid’s is called the Spanish Grand Prix, and Barcelona’s is the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.
In 2026, Barcelona’s race was in June, and Madrid’s will be in September. It’s not unusual for one country to host multiple F1 races; the United States even hosts three!
Madrid is not replacing Barcelona completely. Barcelona’s contract was extended in February, so it will stay on the calendar until at least 2032. However, Barcelona won’t host a race every year like Madrid.
Madrid will host races every year from 2026 to 2035. Barcelona, on the other hand, will hold races every two years. So, there won’t be a Barcelona race in 2027, but Madrid will still be on the schedule.
Barcelona will next race in 2028, then in 2030 and 2032. During the years Barcelona doesn’t race, the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps will take its place.
It’s still unclear if Barcelona’s contract will be extended or changed to annual races after 2032, but for now, it will host four more F1 races, starting this Sunday.
So get ready for an exciting season with two great Spanish races to enjoy!