Formula One moving Spanish Grand Prix to Madrid from 2026 onwards

Formula One (F1) has announced that the Spanish Grand Prix will be moving to Madrid from 2026 until 2035 following a partnership agreement with IFEMA MADRID. The deal will also see the construction of a new circuit in Madrid, which is set to have both street and non-street sections. 

The circuit will reportedly be 5.47 kilometres long and have 20 corners, with a projected Qualifying lap of 1 minute and 32 seconds. Like the majority of F1 circuits, it will have a premium Paddock building with a new race tower and office spaces as well as VIP hospitality and entertainment areas. The venue is aiming to host more than 110,000 fans per day — a number that should rise to 140,000 per day eventually. 

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, 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.“

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, said:

“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 organisers 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.“

José Vicente de los Mozos, President of the Executive Committee of IFEMA MADRID, 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.“

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

“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.“

José Luis Martínez-Almeida, Mayor of Madrid, said:

“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.“