Formula 1 announces 10-year Agreement for Madrid-hosted Grand Prix from 2026
Formula 1 has officially confirmed the inclusion of Madrid in its racing calendar starting from 2026, following the signing of a 10-year agreement.
The race is slated to take place on a semi-permanent track surrounding the fairground of the Ifema Madrid exhibition centre, as previously disclosed in December.
Projections indicate an anticipated attendance of over 110,000 fans daily, with expectations to reach 140,000 within the initial half of the decade-long contract. Madrid’s entry into the Formula 1 line-up will not replace Barcelona, the traditional host of the Spanish Grand Prix since 1991. The current contract between Formula 1 and the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is set to conclude after 2026, coinciding with Madrid’s inaugural year on the racing circuit.
“For the avoidance of doubt and to clarify here, the fact we are in Madrid is not excluding the fact we could stay in Barcelona for the future,” Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said.
“Looking ahead, there are discussions in place to see if we can really extend our collaboration with Barcelona, with whom we have a very good relationship, for the future.”
The 2026 calendar appears poised to feature both Madrid and Barcelona, a scenario not uncommon in Formula 1, as seen with multiple Grand Prix events hosted in the same country, such as the three in the United States and two in Italy in the current season.
Madrid’s return to the Formula 1 scene marks a sustainability-focused move, with the Ifema Madrid conveniently located just five minutes from the international airport. The exhibition centre has demonstrated a commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, achieving a remarkable 78 percent reduction over the past five years.
Plans are in place to further decrease carbon emissions, with all buildings utilising 100 percent certified renewable energy and any temporary structures for the race constructed from recyclable materials. The aim is to achieve zero waste disposal at all sites by 2026.
This move aligns with Formula 1’s recent emphasis on Spain, exemplified by the exclusive media rights deal with sports streaming subscription service DAZN, extending until the conclusion of the 2026 season.
