Last updated: 24/12/2025

F1 Madrid will join the Formula 1 calendar from the 2026 season as a new Spanish Grand Prix, becoming the country’s second race alongside Barcelona. The event replaces the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, reflecting Formula 1’s ongoing recalibration of its calendar within a fixed 24-race limit.

Beyond geography, F1 Madrid matters because it combines three defining trends shaping Formula 1 today: city-based racing, long-term commercial certainty, and host fees that significantly exceed those of traditional European venues.

Calendar Context: Why Madrid, and Why Now

Spain becoming a two-race country places it alongside the United States as one of the few markets judged capable of sustaining multiple Formula 1 events. This decision comes at the expense of Italy’s second race rather than Barcelona’s long-standing Spanish Grand Prix.

From Formula 1’s perspective, the change reflects:

• Stronger commercial guarantees from Madrid
• A capital-city location with global visibility
• Long-term contractual security

Imola’s shorter-term agreements and regional setting made it vulnerable once new bids emerged.

When is the Madrid Grand Prix taking place? In 2026, from September 11th to September 13th.

It features a regular Race Weekend:

• Free Practice 1 – 11th of September, 13.30-14.30 Track time
• Free Practice 2 – 11th of September, 17.00-18.00 Track time
• Free Practice 3 – 12th of September, 12.30-13.30 Track time
• Qualifying – 12th of September, 16.00-17.00 Track time
• Race – 13th of September, 15.00 Track time

The Madring Circuit: Location and Design Overview

The Madring Circuit is a newly developed semi-permanent street circuit located around the IFEMA Madrid exhibition centre, close to Madrid-Barajas Airport and major transport links. The circuit is designed to FIA Grade 1 standards and built specifically to meet Formula 1’s operational requirements.

Unlike traditional street circuits, Madring combines permanent track sections with adapted public roads, allowing greater freedom in layout design while retaining an urban setting.

Speaking of new circuits being added to F1 Calendar – interested in learning more about Portugal’s return? Click here.

Potential Track Layout Characteristics

While final details remain subject to FIA approval, organisers and Formula 1 have outlined the intended character of the Madring Circuit.

Layout Philosophy

The circuit is expected to feature:

• A lap length of approximately 5.4–5.6 km
• Multiple long straights designed to support overtaking
• A mix of medium-speed corners and slower technical sections
• Wider-than-average racing lines for a semi-permanent venue

This approach is intended to avoid the narrow, single-groove racing that has affected some recent street circuits.

Racing Implications

The hybrid layout suggests:

• Rapid track evolution across the weekend
• Higher mechanical grip demands than Barcelona
• Greater emphasis on traction and braking stability

In contrast to Barcelona’s aerodynamics-heavy profile, Madrid is expected to reward adaptability and driver confidence.

Who Is Designing the Madring Circuit?

The Madring Circuit is being developed with involvement from international circuit design specialists experienced in modern Formula 1 venues. The operation is led by Italian circuit designer Jarno Zaffelli and his firm, Studio Dromo. The firm has been responsible for the modern designs of Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, renovations of Circuit Zandvoort and Circuit de Spa- Francorchamps. Needless to say – fan favourite tracks, so expectations are high for the newly designed Madring Circuit.

Formula 1 has confirmed that the layout was developed in consultation with:

• FIA safety delegates
• Formula 1 race operations teams
• Event infrastructure and broadcast specialists

This reflects a shift away from purely corner-driven design toward circuits optimised for modern F1 cars, television coverage, and fan experience.

How F1 Madrid Compares to Barcelona

Rather than replacing Barcelona, Madrid complements it.

• Barcelona: permanent circuit, technical benchmark, historically central to testing
• Madrid: semi-permanent, event-focused, urban accessibility

This dual structure allows Formula 1 to serve both traditional motorsport audiences and newer city-based fans within the same country.

The Financial Side: What Madrid Brings to Formula 1

The commercial case for F1 Madrid is central to its inclusion.

Reported Hosting Fees

While Formula 1 does not publicly disclose hosting fees, multiple motorsport and business outlets have reported that Madrid’s organisers are expected to pay significantly more than traditional European races.

According to industry reporting, the rumoured annual hosting fee for F1 Madrid is:

• €40–50 million per season, rising over the contract duration

By comparison, legacy European races such as Imola and Barcelona are widely believed to pay substantially less under older agreements (some sources have said Barcelona pays around €26 million per year)

These figures place Madrid closer to races such as Miami or Las Vegas in commercial value, despite being located in Europe.

Why This Matters to Formula 1

For Formula 1, Madrid offers:

• Predictable long-term revenue
• Reduced reliance on rotating European events
• A financially sustainable European presence amid global expansion
• Larger fan involvement (capacity goes up to 140 000)

This financial stability is a key reason Madrid could replace Imola despite the latter’s sporting heritage.

Economic Impact for the Host City

Local organisers and government bodies have projected substantial economic returns from hosting Formula 1, including:

• International tourism growth
• Increased hotel occupancy and hospitality revenue
• Global media exposure for Madrid as a destination

The IFEMA-based location allows the race to integrate with existing convention and exhibition infrastructure, lowering long-term operational risk.

What F1 Madrid Signals About Formula 1’s Future

F1 Madrid illustrates how Formula 1 now evaluates races:

• Commercial certainty outweighs historical continuity
• Capital cities are prioritised for visibility and sponsorship
• Circuit design is increasingly shaped by event logistics and broadcast needs

This model is likely to influence future decisions across Europe and beyond.

Conclusion

F1 Madrid is not simply an additional race, but a reflection of Formula 1’s modern identity. By adding a second Spanish Grand Prix, replacing Imola, and securing a high-value long-term agreement, Formula 1 reinforces its shift toward commercially robust, city-based events.

With the Madring Circuit offering a distinct racing challenge and Madrid delivering strong financial backing, the Spanish capital is positioned as a key part of Formula 1’s calendar from 2026 onward.

FAQ

Is F1 Madrid replacing Barcelona?

No. Madrid is an additional Spanish Grand Prix. Barcelona remains on the calendar.

Which race does Madrid replace?

F1 Madrid replaces the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola.

What kind of circuit is the Madring Circuit?

A semi-permanent hybrid street circuit combining public roads with purpose-built sections.

Who designed the Madring Circuit?

The Italian designer firm called Studio Dromo who have designed Yas Marina, Zandvoort and Spa.

How much is Madrid paying Formula 1?

Reported figures suggest an annual hosting fee in the region of €40–50 million, though Formula 1 has not officially confirmed the amount.