Formula One organizers have confirmed that Madrid will be the host city for the Spanish Grand Prix from 2026 to 2035. The new circuit, featuring a unique blend of street and non-street sectors, is set to be constructed in and around Madrid’s IFEMA convention center in the northern part of the Spanish capital.
The event has historically taken place in Barcelona since 1991, but ongoing talks with Catalan officials have raised the possibility of Spain hosting two races.
The upcoming 5.47-kilometer circuit boasts 20 corners and will have the capacity to accommodate over 110,000 spectators per day, with potential expansion to 140,000 during the initial half of the agreement, making Madrid one of the largest venues on the F1 calendar, according to organizers.
Stefano Domenicali, the President of Formula One, expressed excitement about the move, stating, “Madrid is an incredible city with amazing sporting and cultural heritage, and today’s announcement begins an exciting new chapter for F1 in Spain.”
The new venue is anticipated to generate 8,200 jobs and contribute over 450 million euros ($489 million) to Madrid’s gross domestic product. At the official presentation of the event, Madrid mayor Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida emphasized the city’s aspiration not just to host a Formula One Grand Prix but to host the best in the world.
The last F1 race in the Madrid region dates back to 1981 at the Jarama circuit. Barcelona has been the longstanding host of the Spanish Grand Prix since 1991, succeeding Jerez.
Formula One has a history of accommodating two races in Spain, as the country previously hosted the European Grand Prix on a street circuit in Valencia from 2008 to 2012.
Reported By AFP.
