Formula One Announces Move of Spanish Grand Prix to Madrid in 2026
In an exciting development for Formula One fans, the Spanish Grand Prix will be relocated from Barcelona to Madrid starting in 2026. The decision comes after ongoing discussions between F1 stakeholders and officials in Madrid, culminating in a 10-year deal that will run until the end of 2035.
The new track will be constructed around Madrid’s IFEMA exhibition space, situated in the north-east of the city. F1 has revealed that the circuit will feature a combination of both street and non-street sections, offering a unique and thrilling racing experience.
Before the move to Madrid, the next two editions of the Spanish Grand Prix will still take place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. However, the addition of Madrid to the F1 calendar follows a trend of introducing more city-based circuits since Liberty Media acquired the sport in 2017. Miami, Las Vegas, and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia are among the new locations added to the schedule.
The Madrid track, spanning 5.47km, boasts 20 corners and is estimated to have a qualifying lap time of 1 minute and 32 seconds. The facility will have a capacity for 110,000 fans per day, with plans to expand to accommodate up to 140,000 fans in the future. F1 aims to make this race one of the most accessible on the calendar due to its proximity to the airport. Additionally, sustainability is a key focus for the sport, with plans to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
While a specific date for the inaugural Madrid race has not yet been confirmed, it is expected to be part of F1’s European schedule during the summer months.
The move of the Spanish Grand Prix raises questions about the future of Barcelona as a host for Formula One races. Barcelona has been a fixture on the calendar since 1991, making it one of the longest-serving tracks in the sport. However, with the recent emphasis on street-style circuits, some drivers have expressed the importance of preserving more traditional permanent tracks.
Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, praised the Barcelona track as “spectacular” and emphasized the need to retain classic tracks that define the sport. Despite criticisms of the Barcelona circuit for its lack of overtaking opportunities and outdated infrastructure, F1 is still engaged in discussions with race promoters about potential future opportunities. This suggests that Barcelona may have a chance to remain on the calendar beyond 2025 if an agreement can be reached.
It is worth noting that the current commercial agreement between F1 and teams limits the number of races to 25, and this year’s calendar already features a record-breaking 24 races. The agreement is set to expire at the end of the 2025 season.
Excitement is building for the new era of the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, as F1 continues to evolve and expand its presence in major international cities. With a brand new track and a promising vision for accessibility and sustainability, the move to Madrid is set to bring a fresh and thrilling experience to Formula One fans worldwide.