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Formula E Chief Confirms: Barcelona AXED from Next Season’s Calendar
Formula E Says "Not Now" to Barcelona for 2027, But "Maybe Later" for 2028
What Happened? (The Big News)
Formula E—the all-electric racing championship—has officially ruled out Barcelona for its 2027 season.
Earlier reports from a German publication suggested the famous Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya might host a race in April 2027. Talks happened between Formula E, the circuit, and the teams. Everyone seemed positive. But now, CEO Jeff Dodds has confirmed: Barcelona won’t be on the calendar next year.
Think of it like planning a big party: You’ve already sent invitations, booked the venue, and ordered the cake. Adding a new guest at the last minute just isn’t possible—even if you really like them.
Why Not 2027? (The Calendar Is Full)
Dodds explained the situation during a media roundtable:
- The 2027 calendar is "pretty much locked down"
- There’s no room to add a new race
- A tiny 1% chance exists—but don’t count on it
- The only recent change was a date tweak in Monaco to help the venue
Bottom line: The schedule is set. Barcelona will have to wait.
The Good News: Barcelona Could Join in 2028
Don’t worry—this isn’t a "never." It’s a "not yet."
- Formula E still loves the idea of racing in Barcelona
- The circuit could join starting in the 2028 season
- Dodds says they’re "excited by the prospect" because it would be an "interesting addition"
Fun Fact: The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is one of the most famous tracks in the world. It hosts Formula 1, MotoGP, and now—maybe soon—Formula E!
How Would Barcelona Fit? (Madrid vs. Barcelona)
Spain already has a Formula E race: Madrid. The first event there this year was a huge success. The Jarama circuit will host a double-header (two races in one weekend) next June.
So how would Barcelona fit in? Dodds isn’t sure yet—it’s too early to decide. But here are the options:
| Option | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Both Madrid AND Barcelona | Two Spanish races every year |
| Rotational basis | Madrid one year, Barcelona the next (like taking turns) |
| Something else | A creative schedule we haven’t thought of yet |
Dodds says: "Madrid put on such a great show… we would be very reluctant not to be racing there for the foreseeable future."
Why Barcelona Makes Sense (Perfect Timing!)
Here’s a cool coincidence: Barcelona has a lighter motorsport schedule in 2027.
- No Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2027 (due to a rotation agreement)
- F1 returns to Barcelona in 2028, 2030, and 2032
- This means more availability and attention for Formula E in 2027—even if they don’t race there until 2028
Think of it like a popular restaurant: If the big crowd (F1) isn’t booking the venue in 2027, it’s easier for Formula E to step in and make a splash in 2028.
Madrid Is Staying Put (And That’s Great News)
Let’s be clear: Madrid isn’t going anywhere.
- First Madrid race = big success
- Jarama circuit = double-header next June
- Formula E wants to keep Madrid on the calendar long-term
Dodds praised the event and said they’d be "very reluctant" to leave Madrid. So Spanish fans get at least one guaranteed race—and maybe two in the future!
Important Points to Remember
- Barcelona is NOT on the 2027 Formula E calendar
- Barcelona IS a strong candidate for 2028 and beyond
- Madrid stays on the calendar (double-header at Jarama in June 2025)
- Future format undecided — could be both cities, or rotation
- Gen4 era begins in 2027 — new cars, new rules, new chapter
Summary
Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds has confirmed that Barcelona will not race in the 2027 season—the calendar is full. However, the door is wide open for 2028. The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is a world-class venue, and with Formula 1 taking a year off in 2027, the timing could be perfect. Meanwhile, Madrid remains a key part of the calendar after a successful debut. Spanish motorsport fans have plenty to look forward to—whether it’s one race or two!
FAQ
Will Formula E ever race in Barcelona?
Yes! Just not in 2027. Formula E has confirmed Barcelona is a strong candidate for 2028 and beyond.
Why can’t they just add one more race to the 2027 calendar?
The calendar is "locked down." Think of it like a school timetable—once it’s set, you can’t just squeeze in another class without moving everything else.
What’s a "double-header"?
A double-header means two races in one weekend (usually Saturday and Sunday). Madrid’s Jarama circuit will host one in June 2025.
Will Madrid lose its race if Barcelona joins?
No! Formula E loves Madrid and wants to keep racing there. They might run both Spanish races, or rotate them year by year.
What is the "Gen4 era" starting in 2027?
Gen4 = Generation 4 cars. Every few years, Formula E introduces brand-new, faster, more advanced electric race cars. 2027 marks the debut of the fourth generation.
