Marking a historic moment in motorsports, Formula 1 officially announces its grand return to Madrid, slated for a thrilling ten-year run starting in 2026
Months of speculation have finally been put to rest, as Spanish officials have definitively announced the arrival of Formula 1 in Madrid.
This was officially confirmed today in the Spanish capital by Formula 1, local elected officials, and promoters. The pinnacle of motorsport is set to return to Madrid (after last being held at Jarama until 1981) for a ten-year stint from 2026 to 2035.
The circuit, stretching 5.47 km around the world-class IFEMA exhibition park, awaits FIA homologation and final design specifications. It will feature 20 turns, with an estimated qualifying lap time of 1 minute and 32 seconds.
The facility is expected to accommodate over 110,000 fans daily in stands, general admission, and VIP hospitality. Plans are in place to expand the capacity to 140,000 per day during the first half of the agreement, positioning Madrid as one of the largest venues on the F1 calendar.
Located just five minutes from Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suarez Airport, the Spanish Grand Prix will become one of the most accessible races on the F1 schedule, with the circuit a mere minutes away by subway, train, and urban lines.
Approximately 90% of fans are estimated to reach the paddock via public transport, while those staying in local accommodations will be steps away from the venue.
The IFEMA Madrid proposal has garnered widespread support from national, regional, and local governments, including key stakeholders like the Madrid Regional Government, the Madrid City Council, and the Chamber of Commerce.
Beyond the Grand Prix, downtown Madrid will host marketing activations. Additionally, there will be engagement with local businesses and schools to ensure the entire community benefits from the event, projected to generate 450 million euros annually for the city’s economy.
“Madrid is an incredible city with a rich sporting and cultural heritage, and today’s announcement marks an exciting new chapter for F1 in Spain,” said Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1.
“I want to thank the IFEMA MADRID team, the Madrid Regional Government, and the city’s mayor for crafting a fantastic proposal. It truly embodies the vision of Formula 1: creating a multi-day sport and entertainment spectacle that delivers maximum value to fans and embraces innovation and sustainability.”
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, added: “The prospect of modern Formula 1 cars racing on a new circuit in Spain’s capital, Madrid, is alluring.”
“As we move towards the introduction of the FIA’s Formula 1 regulations for 2026, aimed at achieving a net-zero carbon goal by 2030, it’s pleasing to see local organizers emphasize environmental sustainability in their plans for their 2026 event.”
“As usual, the proposed circuit will undergo FIA homologation, safety checks, and calendar approval by the World Motor Sport Council.”
“Our dream of hosting a major F1 event around IFEMA MADRID has become a reality,” said José Vicente de los Mozos, President of the Executive Committee.
“We are thrilled to announce the return of F1 to Madrid after more than four decades.”
“We aim to organize a Grand Prix that will become a benchmark on the F1 global calendar, specifically conceptualized and designed to offer a distinctive and unique experience to both fans and teams participating in the competition.”
“With this, Madrid aims to deepen the development of a new concept that combines sport and entertainment, while delivering a memorable event.”
Isabel Diaz Ayuso, President of the Madrid Region, stated: “We are immensely pleased to announce the arrival of Formula 1 in the Community of Madrid, a region and capital that inspire openness and trust both within and beyond our borders. We are the main driver of Spain’s prosperity and progress.”
“This event, expected to be followed globally by 70 million people, will represent an increase of over 450 million euros in Madrid’s GDP per year and the creation of 8,200 jobs.”
“The Community of Madrid is a region with significant international projection, open, plural, and competitive, and F1 will further consolidate the Madrid brand among the world’s best.”
Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida, Mayor of Madrid, concluded: “With the Grand Prix announcement, Madrid turns towards the future and joins the exclusive group of cities hosting F1 today, placing us at the forefront of global capitals in attracting major events.”
“We know that F1 is more than a race; it’s an unprecedented opportunity to drive Madrid’s transformation and show the world what we’re capable of.”
“I am convinced that Madrid will rise to the occasion, not just because we deserve a spectacle of F1’s magnitude, but also because F1 deserves a city with the energy, character, and passion of Madrid.”
Note that F1 has not yet disclosed the future of Barcelona, whose contract ends precisely in 2026. An F1 spokesperson stated that the series remains in discussions with the long-time host of the Spanish Grand Prix about its future. The Circuit de Catalunya has already made significant investments in track upgrades and improvements in recent years, at F1’s request.
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