F1 Breaking: Madrid Grand Prix Confirms Ten-Year Formula One Contract From 2026
Madrid is confirmed to join the Formula One calendar from 2026, signalling the start of an exciting new chapter for the Spanish Grand Prix. The Madrid Grand Prix is set to be a landmark event, featuring a 5.47km circuit with 20 challenging curves and an average speed of 218km/h.
Madrid has signed a ten year contract with Formula One and will be a hybrid street race, similar to the Australian Grand Prix, using a mix of streets and non-streets. The proposed circuit, which is yet to be approved by the FIA, shows the track running alongside the Real Madrid Football Club training complex and stadium.
The future of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Barcelona has not been confirmed yet.
IFEMA - Madrid Grand Prix
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of F1, praised the city's proposal, stating:
"Madrid is an incredible city, with a long history of hosting some of the biggest sporting events in the world.
"Today’s announcement begins an exciting new chapter for the Spanish Grand Prix, which will see Madrid become a benchmark for European races on the F1 calendar. I would like to thank the team at IFEMA MADRID for putting together a fantastic proposal that epitomises Formula 1’s vision to create a multi-day spectacle of sport and entertainment that maximises values for fans, whilst embracing innovation and sustainability.
"We look forward to working with the team to bring the race to Madrid and welcome in a new era for the Spanish Grand Prix."
José Vicente de los Mozos, Executive Committee Chairman IFEMA MADRID, conveyed the city's aspirations:
"We have the ambition to organize a Grand Prix that will become a reference in the F1 worldwide calendar, specifically conceptualized and designed to offer a distinctive and unique experience for both fans and teams participating in the competition.
"With this, Madrid wants to deep dive into the development of a new concept that combines sport and entertainment, while delivering a memorable event."
Isabel Díaz Ayuso, President of the Community of Madrid, shared her enthusiasm and the event's anticipated economic impact:
"It is with great satisfaction that we announce Formula 1 is coming to the Community of Madrid, to a region and a capital that inspires openness and confidence within and beyond our borders. We are the main engine of Spain’s prosperity and progress.
"This event, which we expect to be followed on a global scale by 70 million people, will represent an increase of more than 4,500 million euros in Madrid's GDP and the creation of 8,200 jobs.
"The Community of Madrid is a region with a great international projection, open, plural and competitive, and F1 will contribute to further consolidate the Madrid brand among the best in the world."
José Luis Martínez-Almeida, Mayor of Madrid, spoke about the city's readiness and the significance of the event:
"With the announcement of the Grand Prix, Madrid moves into the future and joins the exclusive group of cities hosting F1 today, placing us at the forefront of the world’s capitals in attracting major events.
"We know that F1 is more than a race, it is an unprecedented opportunity to drive the transformation that Madrid is undergoing, and to show the world what we are capable of. I am confident that Madrid will be up to the task, not only because we deserve a spectacle of the magnitude of F1, but also because F1 deserves a city with the energy, character, and passion of Madrid."
Ángel Asensio, President of the Official Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Madrid, highlighted the collaborative achievement and its widespread benefits:
"We celebrate the agreement that consolidates Madrid as the venue for a Formula 1 Grand Prix, considering it a collective success.
"We highlight its sporting, cultural, social, economic, business and employment impact, generating a multiplier effect in many economic sectors such as tourism, transport, production and services. A significant increase in tax revenue is expected, benefiting the region and the country through taxes such as VAT, corporate income tax, personal income tax, excise duties and taxes.
"In addition to the tangible benefits, the positive impact on the international image of Madrid and Spain is highlighted. In conclusion, Formula 1 in Madrid is considered a great prize for the city and the country."