Formula 1 returns to Madrid after 45 years with debut of 5.4-kilometer Madring circuit
Scheduled for 11 to 13 September 2026, the Spanish Grand Prix will draw over 120,000 spectators to the new 22-turn facility at IFEMA and Valdebebas, projecting an economic boost of up to 470 million euros.
Circuit design and race schedule
Madrid will host Formula 1 from 11 to 13 September 2026, marking the championship's first race in the Spanish capital since the 1981 Spanish Grand Prix at Jarama. The newly constructed Madring layout spans 5.4 kilometers and features 22 turns, situated across IFEMA Madrid and the Valdebebas district after track construction finished four months prior to the event. The circuit grounds divide into two distinct sectors, designated Madring North and Madring South, with no direct pedestrian transfer allowed between them inside the venue. Daily gate access begins at 08:00 and closes at 20:00, while dedicated fan entertainment zones operate between 10:00 and 19:00. On-track action includes support events from Formula 2 and Formula 3 alongside the main competition.
- First free practice session begins
- Second free practice session begins
- Qualifying session takes place
- Drivers parade commences
- Spanish Grand Prix race starts
Track operations and staff cooperation
Managing the sporting operations for the Grand Prix requires an 800-person team overseeing track marshals, race direction, scrutineering, and medical rescue. Madrid organizers addressed technical staffing requirements by coordinating directly with the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, which agreed to share experienced personnel and operational data. Barcelona is supplying more than 40 specialized staff members, including two sporting stewards, four deputy race directors, two meeting secretaries, 15 grid team officials, one rescue coordinator, and 15 medical crew members. Additional track marshals were recruited from regional racing venues at Jarama, Jerez, and Cheste.
For Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya it is a source of pride to collaborate and bring our experience to Madrid; there is no problem with them.
- Grid team officials
- 15
- Medical team members
- 15
- Deputy race directors
- 4
- Sporting stewards
- 2
- Meeting secretaries
- 2
- Rescue coordinators
- 1
Financial projections and economic targets
The commercial plan for the Madrid race operates on a ten-year timeline. IFEMA president José Vicente de los Mozos projects that event revenues will amortize initial facility investments starting from the fifth year of the contract. Independent economic forecasts from PwC estimate that the Grand Prix will generate 467 million euros in economic activity and create 8,850 jobs across hospitality, tourism, and transport. Organizers anticipate over 470 million euros in regional impact, 8,000 direct and indirect positions, and more than 85 million euros in fees and tax revenues for the Community of Madrid. Global partner Banco Santander is supporting the event as a founding partner, continuing its sponsorship presence across eight Grand Prix markets.
Ticketing categories and transport logistics
Over 120,000 spectators will attend the three-day race weekend across general admission areas, grandstands, and hospitality suites. General admission passes originally sold for 295 and 397 euros when sales launched in September 2025. Standard grandstand seats range from 544 euros at the Carlos Sainz chicane to 1,541 euros in the Gold category along the main straight, with tickets also covering the La Monumental turn and the Hortaleza straight. Specialized VIP hospitality suites offer eight different formats, ranging from 605 euros for Friday access at Traction Club to 4,235 euros for a full weekend at La Azotea. Private spectator parking is not provided at the circuit, requiring fans to travel via Metro Line 8, the Valdebebas Cercanías rail link, or shuttle buses from Plaza de Castilla, Canillejas, Avenida de América, and the Metropolitano Stadium.
