Confirmed: Madrid Remains in Formula 1, Barcelona Won’t Host 2027 Race (For Now)

We still don’t know the final schedule for 2026, but Formula 1 has already announced 2027’s calendar. 24 races presenting a major novelty: for the first time there will be ten Sprint races. As for Spain, a mixed bag. Madrid stays in Formula 1, but Barcelona drops from the calendar. Although not all hope is lost.

Barcelona will be one of the three reserve circuits announced by Formula 1, and the chances that it has to step in are high. The reason is that Formula 1 keeps on its calendar the four Middle East races, which are at risk of cancellation if the war conflict afflicting the region does not improve.

There will be a Sprint race in Monaco

Just in case there was any doubt, Formula 1 has confirmed it: Madrid will continue to host its race next season. The world championship has just announced its calendar for the upcoming season and the Spanish Grand Prix will continue to be held at the Madring, from September 10 to 12. Remember that the capital’s contract with Liberty Media is for ten years.

However, Spain will not have two races in 2027. As planned, Barcelona drops from the calendar. The rotation begins with Spa-Francorchamps, and it is the Belgian Grand Prix that will host a race in 2027. Although not all hope is lost for Barcelona. By chance, they could still have a race.

And indeed Formula 1 has established three reserve circuits for 2027: Barcelona, Imola and Zandvoort. It’s not a mere gesture; it’s a very real possibility. Because in the original 2027 calendar Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Abu Dhabi reappear, i.e., the four Middle East races. In the midst of conflict, they are at risk.

Especially Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, which in theory should be the two opening races of the season, but a lot would have to change in world geopolitics for it to be safe to travel to those countries in March. So let’s not rule out the 2027 world championship starting in Barcelona, an ideal scenario also for pre-season testing.

The other major novelty for 2027 is that there will be ten Sprint races for the first time, more than ever. And the most incredible thing is that one will be in Monaco. Something that will allow the spectacle of two qualifying sessions in Monaco and the slog of watching two races. Sakhir, Albert Park, Suzuka, Montreal, Silverstone, Monza, Interlagos, Losail and Yas Marina are the other circuits chosen for the Sprint.

As for the big changes, Turkey and Portugal join in 2027, while the ones that drop are the aforementioned Barcelona and Zandvoort.

Images | Ferrari, McLaren