The 2026 F1 calendar was recently released, featuring two races in Spain for the first time in the sport’s history. A Grand Prix in Madrid is on the list, as Imola was dropped. The latter was usually the first of the two races in Italy up until this season.
The first hints of a second race in Spain were dropped back in July of 2023. This was when the IFEMA President mentioned works regarding a race in Madrid. However, it wasn’t until later that year that matters turned serious, and in January of 2024, F1 announced a groundbreaking 10-year deal for the Grand Prix.
The IFEMA is a major convention center located close to the airport. The track for the Madrid GP is set to be surrounding the main building of the arena. This will be a major change in the current calendar, as the two races are set to be roughly three months apart. The race in Barcelona will be held in mid-June of 2026; meanwhile, F1 will move to Madrid in early September. Thanks to the more regional sorting of the calendar, there won’t be much traveling since all of the races within this period will be in Europe.
What track will be used for the F1 Madrid GP?
The 2026 Madrid GP will be held at what has been named the “Madring.” The circuit surrounds the main IFEMA building. The track is said to be 3.36 miles (5.3 km) long and will be divided into two major sections. One of these sections will feature a public road, and the other will be on private property. This will make it a mix of a street and a dedicated circuit.
One of the 22 corners on the circuit will also feature a 24% banking, seemingly inspired by Zandvoort. The banking will also feature a set of grandstands, which would seat around 45,000 spectators.
The cars are expected to hit a top speed of 340 kph on the track heading into turn 5. The average laptime would be around 1:34:400.
Madrid GP to contribute to F1’s sustainability race
Formula 1 has been working on making the sport sustainable in the past few years. Not only would the 2026 cars run on 100% renewable fuel, but the sport also aims to go Net Zero Carbon by 2030. While this is seemingly a tough goal to reach, the Madrid GP would significantly contribute towards it.
According to a press release from early 2024, F1 announced that IFEMA had reduced its carbon footprint by 78%. Moreover, it was prepared to use 100% certified renewable energy in the exhibition halls, and temporary structures were to be made of recyclable material.
The track is located only five minutes away from the Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport, making it an easy and short commute for most people. The locals can also travel to the circuit mostly through public transport.
These factors will make the Madrid GP an accessible and hopefully an enjoyable race. There could be a ton of overtaking action considering the straights and the slow-paced corners. The 2026 F1 season is all-ready to be a blast into the new generation of cars and drivers.
