F1: Madrid Secures a Spot on the Formula 1 Calendar with a Long-Term Agreement Starting in 2026

After a joint agreement with IFEMA MADRID, Formula 1 announced that the Spanish Grand Prix will move to Madrid from 2026 until 2035. The goal of this undertaking is to construct a new circuit in the Spanish capital that combines street and non-street segments in an innovative manner. Surrounding the highly anticipated IFEMA exhibition venue, the 5.47km track is set to have 20 turns and, subject to FIA homologation and final design parameters, an expected qualifying lap time of 1 minute and 32 seconds. The future of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, which has hosted the race since 1991, is in doubt due to Madrid's newfound connection, which signifies a departure from the venue.

Although the current location was not mentioned in Formula 1's first announcement on Tuesday, it is known that the authorities in Barcelona are now discussing the future of the Grand Prix often.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenical said: "Madrid is an incredible city with amazing sporting and cultural heritage, and today’s announcement begins an exciting new chapter for F1 in Spain. I would like to thank the team at IFEMA MADRID, the Regional Government of Madrid and the city’s Mayor for putting together a fantastic proposal. 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."

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FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: "Modern Formula 1 cars racing on a new circuit in the Spanish capital city of Madrid is an enticing prospect. 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 in their plans for the event. As is customary, the proposed circuit will be subject to FIA homologation and safety checks and calendar approval by the World Motor Sport Council.

F1: About IFEMA

As a coalition of public entities, IFEMA has been in existence since 1991. The Jarama track, located in the Madrid region, played host to the race nine times between 1968 and 1981. Now that a 10-year deal has been announced, Madrid will join Australia (until 2035) and Bahrain (until 2036) in extending their affiliation with Formula 1 into the future. This follows the current trend of securing long-term race commitments.

Let’s go racing in Madrid!

Say hello to the brand-new circuit built around the @IFEMA Exhibition Centre #F1 pic.twitter.com/klysY8HAiT

— Formula 1 (@F1) January 23, 2024

According to predictions, the arena can comfortably host more than 110,000 fans every day, including those in the grandstand, spectator sections, and VIP hospitality areas. In order to establish Madrid as one of the top sites on the F1 calendar, additional plans are in the works to increase the circuit's capacity to 140,000 people per day during the first half of the agreement.

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The Spanish Grand Prix is going to be one of the most accessible races on the Formula 1 calendar because of its strategic location, just five minutes from the Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suarez airport. Commuting is made easy by the circuit's closeness to the Metro, train, and city lines. It is believed that 90% of spectators can use public transport to get to the paddock, while those staying in nearby hotels will just be a short stroll away.