Numerous updates are taking place in preparation for the upcoming Formula One seasons, aiming to keep F1 enthusiasts eagerly anticipating each Grand Prix. These changes range from the rebranding of new teams to the signing of fresh contacts.
An extreme addition to the calendar is the Madrid Grand Prix, scheduled to debut in 2026. This news has fans of the Spanish GP on the edge, as F1 is set to return to the capital of Spain after 45 years.
Madrid joins F1 calendar 2026 to host Spanish GP
There has been an ongoing circulation of news rapidly spreading among F1 enthusiasts and the paddock about the entry of the Madrid GP from 2026 onwards. The F1 officials signed an exclusive 10-year deal where the event will be hosted at a brand new track, according to the CEO of Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali.
Madrid has the capacity to hold 110,000 per day for the opening race and 140,000 shortly within the first half of their contract. This 10-year-old deal will enable the city to have more capacity than some of the races on the calendar held in Austin, Melbourne and Silverstone.
It's confirmed ✅️🇪🇸 Madrid will host the #SpanishGP from 2026, in a multi-year deal with #F1.
— Autosport (@autosport) January 23, 2024
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali says the new hybrid circuit – built around the @IFEMA fairgrounds & convention centre – "delivers maximum value for fans".
What do you make of the plans? pic.twitter.com/F7AShHKYUE
Domenicalu stated: “I’m very pleased that it’s a deal that takes us to 2035 – it’s a long time,”
“This is the objective as F1, with either new or more established promoters. It allows everyone involved to plan the future and invest in the future as it is a guarantee for the promoter, for our partners, for our teams and for our sport. It gives everyone long-term visibility.”
Explaining Madrid’s unique circuit details
According to Formula 1 official website, Madrid’s new Formula One circuit will be located around the IFEMA Madrid exhibition centre in the Barajas district, which is situated close to the Adolfo Suarez airport, 16 kilometres away from the city centre, with excellent transportation arrangements as well.
The circuit is strategstically planned to be divided into two zones mainly. The first zone consists of IFEMA’s existing Recinto Ferial site which includes hosting a variety of halls, auditoriums and convention centres. The second zone runs through the Valdebebas northern expansion area, which will soon be supported by anew subway line in the future.
"I would imagine that Barcelona will probably drop off"
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) January 23, 2024
Ted Kravitz discusses the future of motor racing in Spain with Madrid joining the F1 calendar to host the Spanish GP from the 2026 season 👀🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/P7fX74X4uG
The complete venue will be close to the Real Madrid Sport City training ground complex, and other high profile sporting grounds in the capital, including Real Madrid’s full stadium – the Santiago Bernabeu and the Civitas Metropolitano Stadium.
Do you think the Madrid GP will be a complete success for the enthusiasts? Tell us in the comment section below.
