There will be a Madrid Grand Prix from 2026, official channels have confirmed. It had been in the air for some time that the race would be announced in the Spanish capital, as there had been rumors of a Grand Prix on the streets of Madrid for a number of years. It is unknown whether Formula 1 will still be present at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, where the Spanish Grand Prix has been held in recent years, after 2026.
In Spain there has been talk of a race in Madrid for a long time. In 2014, there were already discussions about plans to bring a Grand Prix to the capital and that has now been realized. In the last months of 2023 it became increasingly clear that the race would happen and from 2026 there will actually be racing in the streets of the Spanish capital. In addition, the Madrid Grand Prix signs a long deal with Formula 1; After all, this deal runs until 2035.
The hybrid circuit where the racing will take place will be close to the center of Madrid. The drivers will race along the almost 5.5 kilometer long circuit past some well-known points. For example, the training complex of Real Madrid football club is one of the points that the drivers will pass. An important consideration for bringing the race to the Spanish capital was accessibility by public transport. That was a headache at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and in Madrid it is high on the agenda.
Hybrid circuit in Madrid
The proposed circuit still needs to be approved, but it is a hybrid track of 5.47 kilometers long with twenty turns. The drivers will use some of the existing roads, but a large part still needs to be constructed. The part around the Real Madrid complex will only be built after approval from the FIA. The circuit will be driven clockwise.
Future of Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya still uncertain
In recent years, racing has taken place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The circuit has faced a lot of criticism due to its layout, but some adjustments have been made. However, the question is whether that will be sufficient for the circuit where test days are often held. The contract with Formula 1 runs until 2026, which would mean that there will be two Grands Prix in Spain that year. It remains to be seen whether the contract will ultimately be extended.
F1 and FIA very pleased with the deal with Madrid
Formula 1 is happy with the announcement of the race in Madrid. “Madrid is an incredible city with a great sporting and cultural heritage, and today’s announcement marks an exciting new chapter for Formula 1 in Spain,” Stefano Domenicali is quoted by Formula1.com. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA, is mainly happy that Formula 1 is taking steps towards a climate-neutral policy in this way. “With this, Madrid aims to delve deep into the development of a new concept that combines sports and entertainment, while delivering a memorable event.”
