Madrid welcomes ‘Madring’ as its new F1 street circuit

In an important step toward cementing its place in the global motorsport spotlight, Madrid has unveiled the name of its future Formula 1 street circuit: Madring.

Set to host the Spanish Grand Prix starting in 2026, the new venue will mark marks the return of F1 racing to the Madrid region after a 45-year absence, since the Jarama circuit in the suburbs of the city last welcomed the sport between 1968 and 1981.

The announcement has sparked excitement among fans and officials alike, signaling the dawn of a new chapter for Spanish motorsport. The 5.47km circuit, located near the IFEMA convention center in Madrid, is designed to blend high-speed thrills with urban accessibility.

With a capacity to host over 110,000 spectators daily across grandstands, general admission areas, and exclusive VIP zones, Madring is poised to become a marquee event on the F1 calendar.

Construction is already underway, with a brisk 14-month timeline ensuring the venue will be race-ready for its 2026 debut.

The Birth of ‘Madring’: A Name with Purpose

Originally dubbed the "Ifema Madrid Circuit" after its proximity to the exhibition center, the track’s rebranding to Madring reflects a deliberate effort to craft a distinct and globally resonant identity.

The race promoters elaborated on this decision in an official statement, shedding light on the reasoning behind the change.

"Formula 1 circuits are typically referred to by the city or region where they are located – Monza, Imola, Interlagos, Spa, Silverstone, Miami, Las Vegas. However, their full official names are rarely used,” they explained.

“For this reason, Madring aims to establish a concise and memorable identity that directly references its host city, is instantly recognisable worldwide, and requires no translation.

“Ultimately, it is more than just a name — it is a genuine, distinctive, and iconic brand, designed to resonate with a modern and engaged F1 audience."

The name Madring evokes the circuit’s urban street layout while nodding to the city’s vibrant energy.

By aligning with the naming conventions of legendary F1 venues, the promoters hope to position Madring as an instant classic, one that requires no explanation for fans tuning in from São Paulo to Singapore.

A Decade of Racing Secured

Madring’s arrival on the F1 scene is not a fleeting experiment. The circuit has secured a 10-year deal to host the Spanish Grand Prix, ensuring its place on the calendar through at least 2035.

This long-term commitment underscores the confidence of both Formula 1 and local stakeholders in the project’s potential.

Reports suggest the promoter has invested nearly €500 million (£427m) to bring the race to Madrid, a figure that highlights the scale of ambition behind Madring.

However, the hefty price tag has not come without scrutiny. Amid political criticism over the project’s financing, Madrid’s Mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, has been quick to address concerns.

Earlier this year, he emphasized that the funding would be sourced entirely from private companies, not public coffers.

"The Spanish Government has provided 70 million euros for the America’s Cup in Barcelona, and Catalan institutions spend 50 million euros annually for Formula 1 in Barcelona," Martínez-Almeida noted, drawing a contrast with Madrid’s approach.

While he refrained from naming the private partners involved, his assurances have aimed to quell fears of taxpayer burden.

Spain’s Dual F1 Legacy

The transition to Madring does not spell the immediate end for Spain’s other F1 venue. The Circuit de Catalunya, a fixture since its debut in 1991, remains a focal point in F1’s plans.

While Madrid’s 10-year contract signals a major shift, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has emphasized that the two cities are not in direct competition.

Madrid's F1 street race would take around IFEMA, a major center for conferences and conventions.

“The fact that we are in Madrid is not excluding the fact we could stay in Barcelona for the future,” Domenicali said last year.

"Looking ahead, there are discussions in place to see if we can really extend our collaboration with Barcelona, with whom we have a very good relationship, for the future."

For Madrid, hosting the Spanish Grand Prix is a chance to showcase its dynamism on a global stage, blending tradition with innovation.

As the countdown to 2026 begins, the city prepares to welcome the roar of F1 engines—and with them, a new legacy etched into the streets of the Spanish capital.

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