Madrid Grand Prix to join the F1 calendar

Stefano Domenicali, the Formula 1 president, announced that Madrid, Spain to join the F1 calendar in 2026 as part of a 10-year contract. This marks the return of a circuit in Madrid after 45 years. The circuit is to be built around the International Foreign Exchange Master Agreement (IFEMA) exhibition center.

Image from https://www.ifema.es/en/press-releases/world-mice-awards-2022

IFEMA located in Madrid, Spain.

The F1 calendar currently includes a race in Barcelona, Spain. President Domenicali assured that the new Madrid circuit did not discard the possibility of extending Barcelona’s place in Formula 1.

The new track is still subject to the approval of the International Automobile Federation (FIA); however, it is projected to accommodate 110,000 fans. The circuit will be a five minute drive from the Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suarez airport and easily accessible by public transport.

Image from https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/what-is-new-spain-f1-race-madrid-barcelona-spanish-gp/

First look at the Madrid circuit.

IFEMA, in collaboration with F1, would like to make the Madrid Grand Prix the most sustainable of the racing season. A driving force behind this goal is F1’s commitment to reducing their carbon footprint and reaching net zero carbon by 2030.

Additionally, Madrid is home to many Scuderia Ferrari fans due to driver Carlos Sainz whose hometown is Madrid. This presents Formula 1 with an opportunity to reach racing fans who may not have been able to travel to other races or who are fervent supporters of Sainz.