F1 confirms Spanish GP move to Madrid

Formula 1 overnight has confirmed the Spanish Grand Prix will be held at a new track in Madrid from 2026.

Madrid’s recent agreement with Formula 1 signifies a major shift as the Spanish Grand Prix relocates from its long-standing home at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya to an all-new hybrid circuit in Madrid.

The move, effective from 2026 to 2035, has left the future of the Barcelona venue uncertain, with ongoing discussions among local authorities about the possibility of hosting a second event in the country.

The upcoming circuit, a hybrid 5.47km track, will be constructed around the IFEMA fairgrounds and convention centre in the north-east of Madrid.

This groundbreaking project, subject to FIA approval, features a combination of street and non-street sections much like Supercars’ Reid Park circuit in Townsville, comprising 20 corners with a projected lap time of 1 minute and 32 seconds. The track will include what Formula 1 terms a ‘premium’ paddock building, creating a state-of-the-art facility.

With initial public transport accessibility and a capacity of 110,000 spectators, the venue plans to increase its capacity to 140,000 over the first half of the 10-year contract. IFEMA, operational since 1991, enjoys the backing of local authorities, with a consortium of public bodies overseeing its operations.

The 10-year deal aligns with the trend of long-term race contracts, with Madrid joining Australia (2035) and Bahrain (2036) in securing commitments that extend well into the future. The Madrid area has a history of hosting races at the Jarama circuit between 1968 and 1981.

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali expressed excitement about this new chapter for F1 in Spain, thanking IFEMA MADRID, the regional government, and the city’s mayor for a compelling proposal that aligns with F1’s vision of creating a multi-day spectacle emphasizing innovation and sustainability.

“It’s great news for Formula 1 as it shows once again that there is strong appetite around the world for our sport,” says Domenicali.

“It shows that at a moment where Europe is perceived to be a place that is not ready to invest in our sport, Madrid and others are showing it is.

“They have presented a fascinating project, one that will be built in the next couple of years and a project that is considering the fans and their whole experience, from their travel to the whole event experience.

“The proposition we received from the promoter was great. Since the first day, it has been an open discussion of what this event can be.”

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasized the venue’s commitment to sustainability, aligning with the broader goals for Net Zero carbon by 2030. The proposed circuit will undergo FIA homologation, safety checks, and calendar approval by the World Motor Sport Council.

Jose Vicente de los Mozos, president of the executive committee of IFEMA MADRID, emphasized that the race aims to become a “reference” for the sport. He expressed excitement about hosting a major F1 event after more than four decades and outlined ambitions to create a Grand Prix that offers a distinctive and unique experience for fans and teams.

Isabel Diaz Ayuso, president of the Region of Madrid, highlighted the predicted economic impact on the city, projecting a substantial increase in GDP and job creation. The event, expected to be followed globally by 70 million people, is seen as a significant contributor to further consolidating Madrid’s international standing.

City mayor Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that F1 presents an unprecedented opportunity to showcase Madrid’s transformation, energy, character, and passion to the world. Confident in the city’s ability to meet the challenge, he expressed that F1 deserves a city with the energy and passion of Madrid.

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