F1 2026: Lewis Hamilton gives seal of approval to race calendar change

Lewis Hamilton smiling from ear to ear in 2026 red and white Ferrari F1 windbreaker — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 News & Gossip

Lewis Hamilton gives seal of approval to F1 calendar change

The sport will continue to visit Catalunya...for now

Chris Deeley Editor

Experienced sports writer covering F1 and other motorsports since 2023

Tuesday 17 February 2026 22:57

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Lewis Hamilton has reacted to the news that a track which has hosted 35 F1 races will remain on the calendar.

The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has been a mainstay in the sport since it opened in 1991, hosting 35 editions of the Spanish Grand Prix before that event was officially moved to Madrid ahead of the 2026 season.

Catalunya will still host a race in 2026, officially the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, but its long-term future was in doubt despite its popularity with a number of drivers.

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A Monday announcement changed that this week, with F1 confirming that the track has signed a deal to host races in 2028, 2030, and 2032, alternating with Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.

Hamilton pleased with contract extension

Lewis Hamilton posted a short but sweet comment on F1's Instagram post confirming the extension, writing: "Works for me".

It's no surprise that Hamilton's glad of the Catalan track remaining on the calendar, with the seven-time world champion having recorded the joint-most wins there of any driver (six, level with Michael Schumacher).

The Brit hasn't won there since 2021, but he's unlikely to dislike the track specifically for that. After all, he's only won two grands prix out of 92 since the Abu Dhabi Screwjob, so it's hard to blame the looming spectre of Catalan separatism for that.

If he's to climb atop the podium at the circuit one last time to break the tie with Schumacher as the track's most successful visitor, Hamilton's most likely going to need Ferrari to deliver on their promises this season. As happy as he might be with the extension, the odds are reasonable that he'll be watching from the sidelines the next time F1 visits in 2028.

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F1 Lewis Hamilton Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya