Starting in 2026, Madrid will become the new location for the Spanish Grand Prix, hosting the event on an innovative part-street circuit. While negotiations continue with Barcelona, the venue for Spain’s Grand Prix since 1991, there are discussions about its role in future Formula 1 schedules.
The Spanish capital is set to feature a novel race at the Circuito IFEMA Madrid, a 3.4-mile circuit with 20 turns, situated near the IFEMA exhibition centre, approximately 10 miles from Madrid’s city centre and the international airport.
Madrid has secured a contract to host the Grand Prix for ten seasons until 2035. The planned track will feature a combination of street and traditional racing sections.
Barcelona has hosted the Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuit de Catalunya annually since 1991, with its current contract extending to 2026.
There remains a possibility that both Madrid and Barcelona could feature in future Formula 1 seasons.
Madrid’s recent deal signifies its takeover of the Spanish Grand title starting in two years.
Madrid wins bid to host Spanish Grand Prix starting 2026
For Madrid, this event in 2026 marks the first Grand Prix in the region in 45 years since the Jarama circuit, located 20 miles north of the capital, held its last race in 1981.
“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,” said F1 president Stefano Domenicali.
“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.”
The Madrid race organisers aim to make this event one of the most sustainable and accessible on the Formula 1 circuit, anticipating over 110,000 daily attendees, with 90% expected to use public transportation.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem commented, “As we build towards the introduction of the FIA 2026 Formula One regulations, which have been framed with Net Zero carbon by 2030 in mind, it is pleasing to see that the local organisers have placed a sharp focus on environmental sustainability in their plans for the event.”
Spanish racing icons Fernando Alonso, a two-time world champion currently with Aston Martin, and Ferrari‘s Carlos Sainz are gearing up for the upcoming seasons.
READ MORE: 2024 F1 Calendar: A Guide to Record 24-Race Season
Following Las Vegas‘s recent inclusion last November, the 2024 season will see a record 24 races. The upcoming Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona is scheduled for June 23. Spain previously hosted two races annually during 2008-2012 with the Valencia Grand Prix, held on a track near the city’s port.
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