Madrid will join the F1 calendar from 2026

Madrid will host the Spanish Grand Prix from 2026 to 2035, Formula One has announced, after coming to an agreement with IFEMA Madrid. 

On Tuesday, F1 announced the Madrid will join the calendar from 2026 to 2035 to host the Spanish Grand Prix, around the IFEMA Madrid exhibition centre. 

The circuit, subject to the FIA homologation and final design specification, will feature 20 corners around the IFEMA exhibition centre. It will also include a premium Paddock building with a new race tower and office spaces, VIP hospitality and entertainment areas. 

Whilst Catalunya was the traditional circuit, the new Madrid circuit will consist of both street and non-street sections over its 5.47km distance.

Following the announcement, President of the Executive Committee of IFEMA Madrid, José Vicente de los Mozos said:

“Our dream of hosting a major F1 event around IFEMA MADRID has come true. We are thrilled to announce the return of F1 to Madrid after more than four decades. 

“We have the ambition to organise a Grand Prix that will become a reference in the F1 worldwide calendar, specifically conceptualised and designed to offer a distinctive and unique experience for both fans and teams participating in the competition. 

“With this, Madrid wants to deep dive into the development of a new concept that combines sport and entertainment, while delivering a memorable event.”

There are plans to make the Madrid race one of the largest venues on the calendar as the event will host the race to more than 110,000 fans per day across its grandstand, general admission and VIP hospitality attendance. 

However, the venue will look to increase this up to 140,000 fans per day over the first half of the agreement with the sport. 

On the news, Formula One President and CEO, Stefano Domenicali commented:

“Madrid is an incredible city with amazing sporting and cultural heritage, and today’s announcement begins an exciting new chapter for F1 in Spain. 

“I would like to thank the team at IFEMA MADRID, the Regional Government of Madrid and the city’s Mayor for putting together a fantastic proposal. 

“It truly epitomises Formula 1’s vision to create a multi-day spectacle of sport and entertainment that delivers maximum value for fans and embraces innovation and Sustainability.”

In addition, the switch to Madrid will benefit the sports Net Zero Carbon target of 2030 which is shared with IFEMA Madrid, who wants to make the Spanish Grand Prix one of the most sustainable F1 events.

IFEMA Madrid has worked to reduce its carbon footprint, over the last five years, and they are planning to reduce this even further. 

The circuit will be situated inside the city of Madrid, five minutes away from the Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez airport. For fans staying in the local area, they will be able to travel by metro, train and city lines. 

It has been estimated that 90% of the fans will be able to travel into the event by public transport whilst those staying close by to the circuit can simply walk in. 

President of the Region of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso said:

“It is with great satisfaction that we announce Formula 1 is coming to the Community of Madrid, to a region and a capital that inspires openness and confidence within and beyond our borders. 

“We are the main engine of Spain´s prosperity and progress. This event, which we expect to be followed on a global scale by 70 million people, will represent an increase of more than 450 million euros in Madrid’s GDP per year and the creation of 8,200 jobs. 

“The Community of Madrid is a region with a great international projection, open, plural, and competitive, and F1 will contribute to further consolidate the Madrid brand among the best in the world.”

That’s all for the article; Madrid will join the F1 calendar from 2026!

Read more Formula 1 here:

• Verstappen wins 24H Daytona ahead of F1 title defence
• James Allison signs long-term contract with Mercedes
• McLaren drop surprise MCL38 livery ahead of 2024 F1 season
• Doriane Pin joins Mercedes Junior Programme ahead of 2024 F1 Academy season
• Mercedes, Alpine and Red Bull reveal F1 car launch dates
• What’s next for Haas and Steiner

Give us a follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to keep up with the latest news from the world of Motorsport! You can also support us on Patreon or on our website!

Kamron Kent

Hi, I’m Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion.

I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I’ve loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.

Kamron Kent

Hi, I'm Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion. I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I've loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.