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Formula 1 News: Spanish GP moves to Madrid from 2026 to 2035 (Update)

Posted by AR1 staff

The Williams F1 team has released a simulator video of the proposed Madrid F1 track.

January 23, 2024 

Formula 1 has announced that the Spanish Grand Prix will be held in Madrid from 2026 to 2035 following an agreement with IFEMA MADRID to bring an all-new circuit to the Spanish capital, incorporating both street and non-street sections.

Official Spanish GP at Madrid Track Map
Official Spanish GP at Madrid Track Map

Built around the world-class IFEMA exhibition center, the 5.47km circuit – subject to FIA homologation and final design specification – will feature 20 corners, with a projected qualifying lap time of 1 minute 32 seconds.

It is projected to have capacity to host more than 110,000 fans per day across grandstand, general admission, and VIP hospitality, while there are plans to grow the circuit’s capacity to 140,000 per day over the first half of the agreement, making Madrid one of the largest venues on the F1 calendar.

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Located five minutes from the Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suarez airport, the Spanish Grand Prix will become one of the most accessible races on the F1 calendar, with the circuit just a short commute away by Metro, train, and city lines.

Indeed, it is estimated that 90% of fans will be able to travel to the paddock via public transport, while those staying in local accommodation will be a short walk away from the venue.

IFEMA MADRID’s comprehensive proposal received widespread support from national, regional, and local government, including key stakeholders such as the Regional Government of Madrid, the Madrid City Council, and the Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to the Grand Prix, fan activations will take place in Downtown Madrid. There will also be engagement with local businesses and schools to ensure the whole community benefits from the event, which is expected to generate a projected €450m to the city’s economy per year.

“Madrid is an incredible city with amazing sporting and cultural heritage, and today’s announcement begins an exciting new chapter for F1 in Spain,” said Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1.

“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 epitomizes 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.”

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, stated: “Modern Formula 1 cars racing on a new circuit in the Spanish capital city of Madrid is an enticing prospect.

“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 organizers have placed a sharp focus on environmental sustainability in their plans for the event.

“As is customary, the proposed circuit will be subject to FIA homologation and safety checks and calendar approval by the World Motor Sport Council.”

“Our dream of hosting a major F1 event around IFEMA MADRID has come true,” said Jose Vicente de los Mozos, President of the Executive Committee of IFEMA MADRID. “We are thrilled to announce the return of F1 to Madrid after more than four decades.

“We have the ambition to organize a Grand Prix that will become a reference in the F1 worldwide calendar, specifically conceptualized 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.”

Isabel Diaz Ayuso, President of the Region of Madrid, commented: “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.”

Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida, Mayor of Madrid, added: “With the announcement of the Grand Prix, Madrid moves into the future and joins the exclusive group of cities hosting F1 today, placing us at the forefront of the world’s capitals in attracting major events.

“We know that F1 is more than a race, it is an unprecedented opportunity to drive the transformation that Madrid is undergoing, and to show the world what we are capable of.

“I am confident that Madrid will be up to the task, not only because we deserve a spectacle of the magnitude of F1, but also because F1 deserves a city with the energy, character, and passion of Madrid.”