Recent months have witnessed a flurry of contract extensions for Formula 1 races, particularly those hosted outside Europe, with many agreements stretching well into the 2030s. However, within Europe, the current contracts for iconic circuits such as Zandvoort, Spa, Imola, Monza, and Monaco are set to expire after 2025.
While Madrid has been designated as the new venue for the Spanish Grand Prix starting from 2026, Barcelona is reported to retain a contract to host a race in that season, albeit with F1 having options.
There has been ongoing discourse about the possibility of implementing rotation, with the Dutch and Belgian races likely to be paired and held in alternate years.
Notably, reducing the total number of races to 23 would free up a slot for a 24th race in 2026, potentially available for Barcelona if F1 chooses to do so, although current indications suggest no such plans are in place.
Alternatively, the addition of a new venue is being explored, with a return to South Korea among the options under consideration.
Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of Formula 1, remarked on the prospects for 2026, highlighting the significance of Madrid as a host city and emphasizing the continued interest in European races. He hinted at forthcoming announcements regarding rotation and discussions with other European promoters.
Regarding the recent trend of securing long-term contracts, Domenicali emphasized that it’s not solely about ensuring financial stability but also about building and enhancing events over time.
He stressed the importance of stable partnerships with promoters and the opportunities they present for business development beyond just the financial aspect.