Madrid confirmed as new home of Spanish GP from 2026

The worst-kept secret in Formula 1organizers has finally been made official - Madrid will host the Spanish Grand Prix from 2026 onwards, after signing a 10-year deal to construct a street circuit surrounding the IFEMA exhibition centre.

Circuit details

The Madrid circuit will be 5.474km in length, comprised of 20 corners, and have a projected qualifying lap time of around 1 minute 32 seconds.

Both street and traditional racing elements will feature along the layout spanning the IFEMA complex, which will also house a new paddock building, race control tower, VIP hospitality suites and entertainment venues.

Crowd capacity is set at 110,000 per day initially, increasing to 140,000 over the first 5 years.

“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,” said Stefano Domenicali, F1 CEO.

Sustainability focus

Sustainability has been a key focus in plans for Madrid's inaugural Spanish GP. With the circuit located just 5 minutes from Madrid-Barajas Airport, organizers are targeting over 90% of fans to reach the venue via public transport or by foot.

Aligning with F1's net zero carbon commitments for 2030, IFEMA already utilizes renewable energy infrastructure, and any temporary track structures will use recyclable materials.

"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," noted FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem centralizes.

Enhanced accessibility

The new circuit's integration with Madrid's existing transport links presents vastly enhanced accessibility for fans over the previous rural Montmelo venue.

Underscored by Domenicali as a key directive, the event's shift to an urban locale centralizes the fan experience and conveniences of attending the reimagined Spanish Grand Prix.

The 2026 calendar slot confirmed

While Formula 1's 2023 calendar is still being finalized, Madrid's 10-year deal locks its place for the next decade, becoming the first new European addition since the Russian Grand Prix in 2014.

Subject to FIA approvals, the Spanish Grand Prix will transition from Barcelona's Montmelo to Madrid beginning in 2026, for what Domenicali promised will be an "enticing prospect" of F1 cars racing around the streets of Spain's capital.