Madrid handed long-term Spanish GP deal from 2026!

Formula 1 has confirmed that Madrid will host the Spanish Grand Prix from 2026 to 2035, marking a significant moment in the sport's history.

The race will be held on a brand-new circuit that incorporates both street and non-street sections, built around the world-class IFEMA exhibition center.

The 5.47km circuit, which is subject to final design approval by the FIA, will feature 20 corners and is expected to have a projected qualifying lap time of 1 minute 32 seconds.

The circuit is designed to accommodate more than 110,000 fans per day across grandstand, general admission, and VIP hospitality areas.

Historically, the news marks a return of F1 to the Madrid area, with nearby Jarama hosting the Spanish GP on nine occasions between 1968 and 1981.

Over the first half of the agreement, there are plans to expand the circuit's capacity to 140,000 per day, making Madrid one of the largest venues on the F1 calendar.

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The IFEMA exhibition center venue is a prime location situated just five minutes from Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suarez airport.

The circuit will also be easily accessible by public transportation, with Metro, train, and city lines providing convenient connections for fans. It is estimated that 90% of fans will be able to travel to the paddock via public transport.

Beyond the race itself, Formula 1 plans to activate fan experiences around the city of Madrid. Local businesses and schools will be engaged to ensure that the entire community benefits from the event, which is projected to generate an estimated €450m for the city's economy per year.

The new circuit, the accessible location, and the planned fan activations all point to a high-profile event for Spain and for Formula 1.

“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 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, 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 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.”

“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 organise 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.”

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