The Cruise Division of MSC Group will take centre stage on the Formula 1® calendar in 2026 as MSC Cruises becomes the official title sponsor of three Grand Prix races: FORMULA 1 MSC CRUISES GRAN PREMIO DE BARCELONA-CATALUNYA 2026, FORMULA 1 MSC CRUISES UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX 2026 and FORMULA 1 MSC CRUISES GRANDE PRÊMIO DE SÃO PAULO 2026. The announcement follows a multi-year extension of the partnership between Formula 1® and the Cruise Division of MSC Group — comprising MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys — now confirmed through 2030.
The trio of title sponsorships complements existing trackside branding and hospitality activations delivered by the Cruise Division across the global F1 calendar and marks a further deepening of the companies’ commercial relationship with motorsport’s premier championship.
Three headline races — dates and venues
Spain — FORMULA 1 MSC CRUISES GRAN PREMIO DE BARCELONA-CATALUNYA 2026
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Dates: 12–14 June 2026
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Venue: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
The Barcelona-Catalunya circuit is a long-standing test of aerodynamic efficiency and chassis balance, combining high-speed sections with technical corners. Recent renovations to the circuit infrastructure have enhanced hospitality and fan experiences, positioning the event as both a sporting and cultural weekend close to the city of Barcelona.
USA — FORMULA 1 MSC CRUISES UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX 2026
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Dates: 23–25 October 2026
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Venue: Circuit of the Americas (COTA), Austin, Texas
COTA is renowned for dramatic elevation changes and expansive fan zones. The modern venue is designed around large-scale entertainment, with a capacity for roughly 150,000 spectators and a festival atmosphere that combines live music and motorsport hospitality.
Brazil — FORMULA 1 MSC CRUISES GRANDE PRÊMIO DE SÃO PAULO 2026
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Dates: 6–8 November 2026
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Venue: Autódromo José Carlos Pace (Interlagos), São Paulo
Interlagos is famed for its passionate crowds, unpredictable weather and dramatic races. The São Paulo Grand Prix — voted Best Race of 2024 by Formula 1 fans — is celebrated for its carnival-like atmosphere and tight, undulating track that regularly produces thrilling on-track action.
A broader partnership extended to 2030
Earlier in 2025, Formula 1® and the Cruise Division of MSC Group announced a multi-year extension of their global partnership through 2030. The 2026 title sponsorships expand on existing activations such as trackside branding and hospitality, with race branding from both MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys planned across different Grands Prix during the 2026 season.
MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys will therefore not only feature as title partners at the three named events but will continue to leverage the sport’s global reach via hospitality offerings and bespoke trackside presence at additional races.
About the Cruise Division of MSC Group
The Cruise Division of MSC Group is headquartered in Geneva and comprises two distinct brands: MSC Cruises, which serves contemporary and premium markets, and Explora Journeys, which focuses on the luxury segment. MSC Cruises is the world’s third-largest cruise line and the market leader in Europe, operating a modern fleet that sails to more than 300 global destinations. Explora Journeys, launched in 2023, operates in the luxury travel segment and is expanding its fleet from two ships toward six by 2028.
About Formula 1®
Formula 1® is the world’s pre-eminent motor racing series, with origins dating back to 1950. Formula One World Championship Limited holds the exclusive commercial rights to the FIA Formula One World Championship™. Formula 1® is a Liberty Media Corporation subsidiary and operates under multiple registered trademarks including the F1 and FORMULA 1 marks.
