Jun.15 (GMM) Barcelona is refusing to abandon hopes of returning to the Formula 1 calendar every year despite agreeing to alternate with Spa-Francorchamps from 2028.
The comments come just days after Royal Spanish Automobile Federation president Manuel Avino suggested Barcelona could even return as early as 2027 if continuing instability in the Middle East forces Formula 1 to revise its plans.
Now, Catalan president Salvador Illa has made clear that authorities are still pushing for a bigger future in Formula 1.
“We are not ruling anything out,” he said at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Sunday. “With the prestige of Barcelona and Catalonia, as has been seen this week, we can aspire to whatever we want.”
Barcelona recently secured a new agreement covering 2028, 2030 and 2032, sharing its place on the calendar with Spa.
However, Illa is not treating the alternating arrangement as the final outcome.
“Only two countries host more than one F1 Grand Prix – the United States and Spain. That also demonstrates the confidence in Catalonia.”
However, speaking to AS newspaper in Barcelona, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said local authorities had previously assumed the race would remain regardless of investment levels.
“I can say this because I was direct with my friends in Barcelona,” he said.
“When a major promoter needs government support to invest, there was a time when Barcelona, frankly, thought they had this race guaranteed regardless of the investment they made and the things that needed improving.”
Domenicali said attitudes have since changed dramatically.
“Now, the people involved at the government level and on the promoter’s team have done an incredible job and have won back the race.
“There are some very important people involved, and I thank the President of Catalonia for his commitment,” he added.
“They were serious about reaching this agreement, working very hard to ensure the future of a circuit that deserved to be part of F1.”
Illa also revealed he had held fresh talks with Domenicali during the Spanish GP weekend.
“I just met with Domenicali and we had a very productive conversation,” said the Catalan leader.
“He seemed very happy and satisfied with how things are going here.
“I look ahead and I’m sure we’ll have Formula 1 in Barcelona for many years to come.”
Join Grand Prix Tours in Austin, Texas for the high-energy 2026 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Experience nonstop action on one of Formula 1’s most exciting tracks, featuring dramatic elevation changes, thrilling overtakes, and a packed race weekend. Off the track, enjoy a festival atmosphere with live music, world-famous BBQ, and buzzing nightlife. Your Grand Prix Tours package includes a fully curated race weekend, highlighted by exclusive access to our private F1 Celebrity Talk Show, where guests gain insider insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives. With demand soaring and this event quickly becoming a modern American racing tradition, now is the time to secure your spot for an unforgettable Austin Grand Prix experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
There are motorsport events, and then there is the Indianapolis 500, the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Next year marks Grand Prix Tours' 42nd Indianapolis 500 tour and our decades of experience and local connections provide exclusive access that few fans ever enjoy, including police escorts on race day, a Dallara IndyCar Factory tour, Gasoline Alley and Legends Day, the Driver Introduction Ceremony, and a private dinner with former Indy driver Derek Daly. Combined with excellent hotel accommodations, seamless event planning, and Grand Prix Tours' signature service, this is far more than a race weekend; it's a once-in-a-lifetime motorsport experience. With tour spaces limited each year, we encourage you to reserve your place early for the 111th Indianapolis 500.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Formula 1 at its most iconic with an unforgettable trip to the 2027 Grand Prix de Monaco. Feel the excitement as the world’s best drivers race through the legendary streets of Monte Carlo, surrounded by superyachts, Mediterranean views, and the unmistakable glamour of Monaco. From incredible race viewing to carefully selected accommodations, Grand Prix Tours brings you closer to the action at one of the most prestigious and spectacular events in all of motorsport.
SHOW PACKAGES
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the ultimate test of speed, strategy, and endurance. Watch the world's top manufacturers battle for 24 nonstop hours in one of motorsport's most prestigious events. With Grand Prix Tours handling your accommodations, transfers, and ticket options, all that's left is to experience this unforgettable bucket-list race.
SHOW PACKAGES
Feel the roar of Formula 1 at its spiritual home. Silverstone is one of the fastest and most demanding circuits in the world, where brave overtakes, lightning-fast direction changes, and flat-out commitment separate the best from the rest. Combined with the electric atmosphere created by hundreds of thousands of passionate fans, the British Grand Prix delivers a race weekend unlike any other.
SHOW PACKAGES