F1 confirms Madrid to join calendar, host Spanish Grand Prix from 2026 with new circuit in new long-term deal
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Published 23/01/2024 at 10:32 GMT
Madrid will be back on the Formula One calendar from 2026. The Spanish capital last hosted a Grand Prix in 1981, but it has been announced that the Spanish GP will soon be held in Madrid on a 5.47km (3.39 mile) circuit. It has not been confirmed what the news means for Barcelona, which has hosted the Spanish GP since 1991. F1 say Madrid will provide “one of the calendar's most accessible races".
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Formula One has announced that the capital city of Madrid will join the sport's calendar from 2026 and will host the Spanish Grand Prix that year in a new long-term deal.
The race will take place on a 5.47km (3.39 mile) circuit around the IFEMA exhibition centre, which is close to Madrid’s main airport.
It will be the first time Madrid has hosted a Grand Prix since 1981.
It has not been confirmed if the announcement means Barcelona, which has hosted the Spanish Grand Prix since 1991, will drop off the calendar.
F1 say Madrid will provide “one of the calendar's most accessible races” and “it is estimated that 90% of fans will be able to travel to the paddock via public transport”.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA, which is F1’s governing body, said in a statement: “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.”
Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO of Formula 1, added: “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.”
The first race of the 2024 season will be held in Bahrain on March 2.
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