Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix 2028 – Barcelona, Spain

What to expect

The Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix 2028 in Barcelona will bring the Formula 1 World Championship back to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, one of Spain’s most established motorsport venues. The Barcelona event is officially known as the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, following the circuit’s new naming arrangement. Formula 1 has confirmed that Barcelona will continue to host Formula 1 on a rotational basis, including the 2028 edition.

Unlike a city-centre sporting event, the Grand Prix takes place at a dedicated racing circuit in Montmeló, approximately 32 kilometres from central Barcelona. The venue combines grandstands, general admission viewing areas, hospitality facilities, fan zones, food outlets, merchandise shops and access points around the track.

Visitors can expect a complete motorsport weekend rather than only the main Formula 1 race. The programme normally includes practice sessions, qualifying, the Grand Prix itself and supporting championship activity, alongside fan entertainment and activities around the circuit.

The Barcelona-Catalunya layout is particularly attractive for spectators because many sections of the track can be viewed from elevated grandstands or general admission areas. Formula 1 itself highlights the combination of high- and low-speed corners and identifies the first corner and Turn 3 as especially interesting viewing locations.

The event also extends beyond the circuit. Barcelona has hosted Formula 1 fan activities in the city centre, including exhibitions, simulators, show cars, entertainment, merchandise and food and drink areas. Similar fan programming may accompany the 2028 Grand Prix, although the final programme should be confirmed by the organisers.

Event dates

2028 event period: May or June 2028 (Dates TBD)

Formula 1 has confirmed that the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will host the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix as part of its future Formula 1 calendar. The exact 2028 race dates have not yet been announced.

The final event calendar will determine the precise Friday-to-Sunday race weekend schedule, including practice, qualifying and the Grand Prix.

Visitors should wait for the official Formula 1 calendar and Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya ticket announcement before making non-refundable travel arrangements.

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Venue & event site

The main venue is the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Montmeló, in the Barcelona metropolitan area.

The circuit is approximately 32 kilometres from Barcelona and has direct road and rail connections. It was developed as part of Barcelona’s Olympic-era infrastructure and has become one of the most important motorsport facilities in Spain.

The circuit features a mixture of high-speed and low-speed corners, long straights and several areas where spectators can observe overtaking and technical sections.

Important spectator areas include:

• Main Grandstand overlooking the pit straight
• Grandstand A around Turn 1
• Grandstand F around the opening corners
• Grandstands around the Stadium section
• General admission viewing areas
• Fan zones
• Hospitality and premium viewing facilities

The venue has also invested in new hospitality infrastructure, including the Circuit Rooftop overlooking key sections of the track.

Full event programme

The complete 2028 programme has not yet been released, so visitors should expect the detailed timetable to be published closer to the event.

A typical Formula 1 weekend at Barcelona-Catalunya includes:

• Formula 1 practice sessions
• Formula 1 qualifying
• Formula 1 Grand Prix
• Supporting Formula 2 or Formula 3 activity when included in the championship programme
• Fan zone entertainment
• Driver and team appearances
• Pit Walk or similar fan activities where offered
• Open Track activities where offered
• Merchandise and automotive displays
• Food and beverage areas
• Family activities and interactive motorsport experiences

The circuit has previously hosted F2 and F3 alongside Formula 1, providing additional racing for spectators throughout the weekend.

The exact supporting championships and entertainment programme for 2028 should be confirmed by the Circuit and Formula 1.

Racing schedule & sessions

The Formula 1 race weekend follows a structured competitive format.

Practice

Practice sessions allow teams and drivers to evaluate car setup, tyres, aerodynamic balance and race performance. For spectators, these sessions provide an opportunity to watch Formula 1 cars on track with generally less pressure than qualifying or the Grand Prix.

Qualifying

Qualifying determines the starting order for the main Grand Prix. It is one of the most exciting sessions to watch because drivers push for maximum lap performance and small differences can significantly affect grid position.

Grand Prix

The main Formula 1 race is the centrepiece of the weekend. Drivers compete over the full race distance while managing tyres, fuel strategy, overtaking opportunities, pit stops and changing track conditions.

Supporting races

Depending on the final championship programme, Formula 2 and Formula 3 may also compete at the circuit. These races give spectators additional wheel-to-wheel action between sessions.

Fan activities

The circuit has previously incorporated Fan Zones, Pit Walk opportunities, Open Track experiences, driver interviews, entertainment stages and interactive activities around the racing programme.

The precise session times and supporting-race schedule will be announced with the official 2028 timetable.

Drivers, teams & competitors

The final 2028 Formula 1 driver lineup cannot yet be confirmed. Driver contracts, team selections and championship entries can change before the season begins.

The Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix is expected to attract the full Formula 1 field because it forms part of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship calendar.

The competitive field is expected to include:

• Formula 1 World Championship teams
• Experienced Grand Prix winners
• Championship contenders
• Young drivers
• Spanish drivers and other European competitors
• Reserve and development drivers participating in official activities where applicable

Recent Barcelona-Catalunya editions have featured major names including Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, Charles Leclerc, George Russell, Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz. The future 2028 field should not be assumed from the current driver lineup, however.

Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz have historically been particularly important to the Spanish audience, and the circuit has created dedicated fan experiences around Spanish drivers. The circuit has also previously offered dedicated Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso-themed spectator products.

Cars & automotive highlights

Formula 1 cars are the main automotive attraction, combining extreme aerodynamic performance, hybrid power technology, advanced materials and sophisticated race engineering.

Spectators can see modern single-seaters at close range during selected activities, while Fan Zones have previously displayed Formula 1 show cars and championship trophies.

The circuit’s automotive attractions can include:

• Current Formula 1 show cars
• Team displays
• Driver-themed displays
• Racing simulators
• Pit-stop challenges
• Technical demonstrations
• Championship trophies
• Official Formula 1 merchandise
• Historic or special-display cars
• Interactive motorsport experiences

The Barcelona Fan Village has previously displayed Ferrari and Red Bull show cars as well as an Aston Martin pit-garage replica and historic Formula 1 machinery.

The exact automotive exhibition programme for 2028 has not yet been announced.

Ticket types

The official 2028 ticket prices have not yet been released. Based on previous official Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya ticket sales, visitors can expect several categories.

General Admission

General Admission provides access to designated open viewing areas without an assigned seat. It is normally the most economical way to experience Formula 1 at the circuit. The circuit’s ticket information describes general admission as access to designated open areas and confirms that it does not provide a reserved grandstand seat.

For previous official sales, a three-day General Admission ticket was priced at €199, equivalent to approximately $224.25 using a reference conversion of €1 = $1.1269.

Grandstand tickets

Grandstand tickets provide assigned seating and better-defined views of specific sections of the circuit.

Previous official ticket prices have varied considerably according to the grandstand, visibility and location. A previous official sale listed grandstand products from approximately $238 to more than $545 after conversion, while special premium grandstands could be higher.

Driver and team fan areas

The circuit has previously created dedicated products for drivers and teams, including Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso experiences and a Ferrari-themed grandstand.

2028 prices and ticket combinations should be checked through the official circuit ticket portal once released.

VIP & hospitality options

Premium hospitality is an important part of the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix experience.

The circuit has developed several hospitality environments designed for guests who want premium food, dedicated viewing areas, business facilities and a more exclusive race experience. Existing hospitality locations include:

• Sky View Racing Lounge
• Garden Club
• Pit Lane Lounge
• Circuit Rooftop
• Panorama
• Paddock Club

These hospitality areas combine premium cuisine with track views and dedicated guest facilities.

The Circuit Rooftop is particularly notable because it overlooks important sections of the circuit and provides a premium alternative to conventional grandstand seating.

2028 hospitality prices have not been announced. Previous hospitality products should therefore be treated as reference information rather than confirmed future pricing.

Exhibitors & automotive brands

The Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix experience extends beyond the Formula 1 track through fan areas, automotive displays and team activations.

Previous fan programmes have featured Formula 1 teams, official partners, show cars and motorsport technology displays. The Barcelona Fan Village has included Aston Martin, Santander and Monlau areas, while official Formula 1 and Circuit merchandise shops have also operated during the event.

Inside the circuit, previous Fan Zones have included:

• Formula 1 simulators
• eSports racing
• Pit Stop Challenges
• Podium photo opportunities
• Show cars
• Driver interviews
• Championship trophies
• Team activations
• Official merchandise

The exact brands and exhibitors participating in the 2028 edition will be announced closer to the Grand Prix.

Event rules

Visitors must follow the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya’s safety and access regulations.

Important restrictions include:

• Glass, metal, ceramic and wooden containers are prohibited.
• Large plastic bottles or cartons exceeding the permitted size are prohibited.
• Alcoholic beverages cannot be brought into the circuit.
• Knives, scissors and similar dangerous objects are prohibited.
• Flares and smoke containers are prohibited.
• Drones and professional image-recording equipment are prohibited unless specifically authorised.
• Scooters, bicycles and other personal mobility devices are restricted.
• Certain banners, symbols or signs promoting violence, terrorism or harassment are prohibited.
• Animals and companion animals are not permitted under the circuit’s standard access rules.

The official venue rules should always be checked before attending because permitted items and security procedures can change between events.

How to get there

The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is located in Montmeló, approximately 32 kilometres from Barcelona.

By car

The main road connections include the C-17 and AP-7. The circuit provides dedicated access routes depending on the assigned parking area.

By train

Montmeló railway station is the main public transport rail connection for the circuit. Visitors travelling from Barcelona can use Rodalies de Catalunya services and continue towards the circuit on foot or with event-specific transport arrangements.

By bus

Sagalés provides bus connections in the Montmeló and Granollers area. The circuit identifies stops that provide walking access to the venue.

By taxi

Taxi services can be used to reach designated circuit entrances, subject to event traffic arrangements.

Public transport & parking

The circuit strongly encourages spectators to use public transport during major Grand Prix events because traffic around the venue can become heavily congested.

During previous Grand Prix operations, the circuit has increased train and bus services and introduced free shuttle services from nearby transport points.

Private vehicle access is controlled during major events. In previous arrangements, spectators without the required parking accreditation or parking ticket were prevented from driving into the circuit perimeter.

Motorcycle parking has previously been available free of charge, subject to capacity and event arrangements.

For visitors staying in central Barcelona, travelling by train and using any official event shuttle is generally more convenient than attempting to drive directly to the circuit.

Accommodation areas

Barcelona provides the widest selection of accommodation for Grand Prix visitors.

Barcelona city centre

The central districts provide the greatest choice of hotels, apartments and tourist accommodation, together with restaurants, nightlife and sightseeing.

Eixample

Eixample is a practical choice for visitors wanting central accommodation with good public transport connections.

Near Barcelona Sants

The area around Barcelona Sants station can be useful for visitors planning to travel by train.

Montmeló

Staying closer to the circuit reduces the daily journey but accommodation availability is more limited than in Barcelona.

Granollers

Granollers provides another useful base close to the circuit and has rail and road connections with the surrounding area.

Because the Grand Prix attracts a large international audience, visitors should consider booking accommodation well in advance once the official event calendar and ticket sales are confirmed.

Food & drink

Food and drink are available throughout the circuit in designated service areas.

Previous Formula 1 events have included food and beverage facilities within Fan Zones and other public areas. The Barcelona Fan Village has also offered dedicated food and drink areas so visitors could remain within the event environment.

Typical circuit food options can include:

• Sandwiches and snacks
• Fast food
• Pizza
• Local food
• Vegetarian options
• Soft drinks
• Water
• Coffee
• Beer and other permitted beverages sold within designated areas

Visitors should not assume that outside food and drink will be permitted because the circuit has restrictions on containers and alcoholic beverages.

Premium hospitality packages provide a different dining experience, with the circuit’s hospitality venues offering premium cuisine alongside track views.

Accessibility

The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya provides accessibility arrangements for visitors with reduced mobility, although exact facilities can vary according to the event and ticket area.

The circuit has previously worked with the Red Cross to assist spectators with reduced mobility and provide support between accessible entrances and seating areas.

The circuit also identifies dedicated parking arrangements for people with reduced mobility during major events.

Visitors requiring accessible seating, parking or assistance should make arrangements through the official ticketing and accessibility channels before attending.

Because the venue is extensive, visitors with mobility requirements should also consider the walking distances between parking, entrances, grandstands, food areas and other facilities.

Best races & attractions to see

The Grand Prix

The main Formula 1 race is the essential attraction. It combines strategy, overtaking, pit stops, tyre management and the championship battle.

Qualifying

Qualifying can provide some of the most intense single-lap action of the weekend. Drivers have to extract maximum performance from the car while fighting for the best possible starting position.

Turn 1

Turn 1 is one of the strongest locations for watching overtaking and opening-lap battles. Formula 1 specifically highlights Grandstand A around this section as a strong viewing option.

Turn 3

The general admission area around Turn 3 provides a view of Formula 1 cars attacking a fast corner and demonstrates the aerodynamic performance of the cars.

Fan Zones

Fan Zones offer a change from watching racing and can include simulators, pit-stop challenges, show cars, podium experiences, driver interviews and entertainment.

Pit Walk and Open Track

Where included in the final programme, these activities provide opportunities to experience the circuit from a different perspective. Previous editions have offered fans access to the pit lane and other special experiences.

Previous year’s highlights

The previous Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix produced a major victory for Lewis Hamilton with Ferrari. George Russell finished second for Mercedes and Lando Norris completed the podium for McLaren. Max Verstappen finished fourth.

Hamilton’s victory was particularly notable because it was his first Barcelona-Catalunya win with Ferrari and ended a run of Mercedes victories during that championship campaign. The race also featured a dramatic retirement for Kimi Antonelli.

The event attracted enormous spectator interest, continuing the circuit’s reputation as one of the major European Formula 1 destinations. Formula 1 reported that the Barcelona race weekend attracted 300,000 fans in a recent edition.

Away from the racing, the Barcelona Fan Village and circuit Fan Zones expanded the event beyond the track with simulators, team activations, show cars, concerts, food, merchandise and family entertainment.

Official tickets

The official 2028 ticket prices have not yet been announced.

The safest place to purchase tickets is the official Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya ticket platform. Previous official sales have included three-day General Admission tickets, numbered grandstands, special driver and team fan areas and premium grandstands.

For reference, previous official ticket pricing included approximately:

• General Admission three-day ticket: $224.25
• Carlos Sainz fan grandstand: approximately $304.26
• Ferrari-themed grandstand: approximately $535.28
• Alonso Land General Admission: approximately $243.41
• Alonso Land Grandstand: approximately $375.75

These are converted previous-edition prices and are not confirmed 2028 prices.

The official Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya website is:

Official Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya website (https://www.circuitcat.com/en/)

The official Formula 1 website is:

Official Formula 1 website (https://www.barcelonaf1.com/)

The website supplied for this event, barcelonaf1.com, currently advertises Barcelona-Catalunya 2028 ticket products, but visitors should verify whether a specific product is an official Circuit allocation before purchasing.