The 2026 Formula 1 Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix will be held at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from Friday 12 June to Sunday 14 June 2026. This will be the 37th edition of the Grand Prix hosted at the iconic circuit near Barcelona, continuing its long-standing place in Formula 1 history.
As one of the most established races on the calendar, the Barcelona Grand Prix remains a key moment in the F1 season. Taking place shortly after Monaco, it often provides crucial insight into team performance and championship momentum. With the 2026 season expected to be highly competitive, fans can look forward to an intense and unpredictable race weekend.
Whether you are a dedicated Formula 1 follower or a first-time visitor, the event offers a unique combination of elite motorsport, fan experiences, and the vibrant culture of Barcelona.
Formula 1 in Barcelona
Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix
From this year, the long-standing race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will be rebranded as the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, following the FIA’s confirmation of the 2026 Formula 1 calendar and the introduction of Madrid as a new Spanish Grand Prix venue.
Barcelona Grand Prix: The Track
Located near the town of Montmeló, just a short drive from Barcelona, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya officially opened on 10th September 1991. The project was a collaborative effort between the Catalan Government, the Royal Automobile Club of Catalonia, and the Montmeló Town Council.
Remarkably, the circuit hosted its first race only five days after opening, launching with a round of the Spanish Touring Car Championship. Shortly after, on 29th September 1991, it welcomed its first Formula 1 Grand Prix. The following season, the MotoGP Grand Prix was added to the calendar. Since then, the circuit has been the home of both the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix and the Catalan MotoGP Grand Prix – two of the most prestigious events in the world of motorsport. More recently, it has also become a venue for the FIA World Rallycross Championship.
Over the years, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has earned a reputation as one of the premier permanent racing circuits globally. Its state-of-the-art facilities, diverse event offerings, and scenic location make it a standout destination for both motorsports professionals and fans. Situated just a few kilometers from the vibrant city of Barcelona, the circuit also offers excellent tourism opportunities, blending high-octane action with cultural and leisure experiences.
Beyond professional racing, the circuit provides a wide array of public experiences. Visitors can enjoy track days, drive high-performance cars like Ferraris, join guided tours, participate in BiCircuit cycling laps, and take part in various other recreational and motorsport-related activities. Whether for a thrilling race weekend or a unique day out, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya delivers unforgettable experiences year-round.
Formula 1 Agenda 2026
Practice 1
- Friday, 12th June
- 1:30 - 12:30
Practice 2
- Friday, 12th June
- 15:00 - 16:00
Practice 3
- Saturday 13th June
- 10:30 - 11:30
Qualifying
- Saturday 13th June
- 14:00 - 15:00
Race Day
- Sunday 14th June
- 13:00
How to Get There
The circuit is 32 km away from Barcelona city. Circuit- Catalunya can be reached by car, bus, train and even the express train AVE.
- By car, you can take the C-17 road (exit Montmeló), or the AP-7 highway (exits 13, 14 and 15. The exits 14 and 15 connect to the C-17 road).
- For the bus you can take line Line 416 Montornès - Montmeló - Granollers - La Garriga, Line 375 Montmeló - Parets del Vallès - Montornès - Montmeló our Line 370 Parets del Vallès - Montmeló - Montornès - Parets del Vallès.
- Renfe / Rodalies: Line R2 Castelldefels - Granollers Centre Line R2 Nord Aeroport - Maçanet Massanes. The train stops at the Montmeló station.
- With an AVE ticket you get a free ticket for the commuter train (Cercanías) on departure and on arrival, including the connection service to the El Prat T2 and Barajas T4 airport stations. The train goes from Figueres Vilafant - Girona - Barcelona Sants.
Formula 1 Fan Village
The Formula 1 Fan Village in Plaça Catalunya offers a range of activities, including F1 simulators, pit stop challenges, and live performances, providing fans with an immersive Formula 1 experience.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the 2026 event, it’s advisable to monitor the official Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya website and the Barcelona City Council’s event announcements as the event approaches.
- Free of charge, registration required
- 9th - 13st June
- 12:00 - 21:00
- Plaça Catalunya
- More information
The Atlassian Williams F1 Team Fan Zone
The Formula 1 Fan Village in Plaça Catalunya offers a range of activities, including F1 simulators, pit stop challenges, and live performances, providing fans with an immersive Formula 1 experience.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the 2026 event, it’s advisable to monitor the official Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya website and the Barcelona City Council’s event announcements as the event approaches.
- Free of charge, registration required
- 8th - 14th June
- Monday – Saturday, 12:00pm – 9:00pm; Sunday, 12:00pm – 4:00pm
- Carrer dels Boters, 4, Ciutat Vella, 08002
- More information
History of Formula 1 in Barcelona
Formula 1 in Barcelona dates back to the 1951 races and the 1954 races which took place at the Circuit of Pedralbes. The races were not held in Barcelona again until 1969. This time around, the races were held throughout Montjuïc. The Montjuïc track was a very fast and challenging racetrack that some drivers preferred.
The races continued at Montjuic for a few more consecutive years until German driver Rolf Stommelen got into a serious accident due to the high speeds of the race cars on Montjuic. Because of this, the Formula 1 in Barcelona was paused until 1991. In the 1991 race, the race was switched to its current arena, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The F1 in Barcelona has been proudly held there ever since.
The Evolution of Formula 1
Formula 1 racing has its roots in the 1930s, emerging during the interwar period in Europe. However, the sport was temporarily halted due to the outbreak of World War II. It was revived in 1946, when the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) introduced a standardised set of regulations aimed at organising a formal championship for race car drivers. This initiative laid the foundation for what would eventually become the Formula 1 World Championship. The first official Formula 1 Grand Prix was held in 1950 at Silverstone Circuit in England.
Although the inaugural race took place in the United Kingdom, Formula 1’s origins cannot be attributed to any one country. As the sport gained traction, countries across the continent took part, reflecting its pan-European identity. In the decades since, Formula 1 has expanded far beyond its European roots, evolving into a truly global phenomenon with races held on nearly every continent.
Since its inception in 1950, Formula 1 has undergone continuous development, both in terms of technology and safety. Innovations such as more powerful engines and faster cars have pushed the limits of performance. At the same time, significant strides have been made in improving driver safety. Modern F1 cars are engineered with features that enhance crash protection and allow drivers to exit quickly in emergency situations. These advancements have played a crucial role in reducing fatalities and serious injuries, making the sport safer while preserving its thrilling, high-speed nature.
Economical Impact of Formula 1 in Barcelona
Formula 1 has a significant economic impact on Barcelona and the wider Catalan region, generating hundreds of millions of euros in annual activity through tourism, hospitality, transport, and related industries, while also supporting thousands of jobs and attracting international visitors; however, hosting the event also involves substantial public and private investment, making its long-term financial impact a subject of ongoing discussion.
Formula 1 in Madrid
Madrid will join the Formula 1 international calendar by hosting the Spanish Grand Prix from 2026 to 2035, which will be held on the circuit designed at the IFEMA MADRID exhibition centre. The new circuit will be 5.47 kilometres long, including 20 bends, and the cars are expected to reach an average speed of 213 km/h during the qualifying lap.
The infrastructures will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology and security, communication and air conditioning systems, raising the standards of the experience for drivers and spectators. Regarding capacity, it is estimated to start with 110.000 spectators, growing to over 140.000 in the fifth year.
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