Madrid Grand Prix to return to F1 calendar in 2026
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For several weeks, the project for a return of Formula 1 to Madrid has been gaining momentum. The Spanish newspaper El Mundo announced that the Spanish capital would replace Barcelona starting in 2026 to host the Spanish Grand Prix. The project has been promoted by IFEMA for many years. This event will be funded by private capital, with the aim of avoiding excessive expenses and corruption, as was the case with the Valencia Grand Prix in particular.
It is now official. In a live event, IFEMA Madrid announced the arrival of the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid starting from 2026 with a contract running until 2035 for now.
« I would like to thank the IFEMA Madrid team, the regional government of Madrid, and the city’s mayor for putting together a fantastic proposal. It truly embodies the vision of Formula 1 to create a multi-day sports and entertainment spectacle that offers maximum value to fans, while prioritizing innovation and sustainability. »
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, added: The idea of seeing modern Formula 1 cars compete on a new circuit in the Spanish capital, Madrid, is an enticing prospect.
« As we head towards the introduction of the FIA Formula 1 regulations for 2026, which have been developed with carbon neutrality by 2030 in mind, it is pleasing to see that local organizers have emphasized environmental sustainability in their plans for the event. »
“Our dream of organizing 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 have the ambition to organize a Grand Prix that will become a reference in the global F1 calendar, specifically conceptualized and designed to offer a distinctive and unique experience for both the fans and the teams participating in the competition.
« With this, Madrid aims to delve deeply into the development of a new concept that combines sports and entertainment while offering an unforgettable event. »
Isabel Diaz Ayuso, President of the Region of Madrid, commented: « It is with great satisfaction that we announce the arrival of Formula 1 in the Community of Madrid, in a region and a capital that inspire openness and confidence inside and beyond our borders. We are the main engine of prosperity and progress in Spain. »
« This event, which we expect to be followed globally 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, pluralistic, and competitive, and F1 will help 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 towards the future and joins the exclusive group of cities hosting F1 today, placing us at the forefront of world capitals attracting major events. »
« I am convinced 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.
100 million euros should be spent to build this new circuit. However, IFEMA estimates profits of about 500 million euros per year, each time the Madrid Grand Prix is held.
For several years, urban circuits have multiplied in F1. Baku arrived in 2016 under the name Grand Prix of Europe. Before Miami in 2022 and Las Vegas in 2023 became the latest urban circuits to join the calendar. However, the Madrid track will not be completely urban. It will be nearly five kilometers long and will bypass IFEMA, then pass through Valdebebas, the Ciudad Deportiva del Real Madrid, and the grounds that hosted the Mad Cool festival.
