Madrid prepares for Formula 1 return at new Madring circuit after 45-year absence

Return to the Spanish capital

Formula 1 is scheduled to return to Madrid from 11 to 13 September 2026 for the Spanish Grand Prix at the newly constructed Madring semi-urban circuit. The event ends a 45-year absence of official Formula 1 racing in the Spanish capital, where the championship was last held on 21 June 1981 at the Jarama permanent circuit. That 1981 race concluded with Ferrari driver Gilles Villeneuve holding off Alain Prost. Madrid becomes the seventh venue in Spain to stage a Formula 1 Grand Prix. On 6 September 2026, the president of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, toured the facility alongside José Vicente de Los Mozos, president of the executive committee of IFEMA Madrid, to inspect final preparations before teams and drivers arrive on Thursday.

Circuit architecture and key sectors

The Madring circuit, designed by Italian architect Jarno Zaffelli, spans between 5.4 and 5.47 kilometres and features 22 turns that combine public roads with purpose-built permanent asphalt. The layout runs through the IFEMA exhibition complex and the northern district of Valdebebas, requiring drivers to complete 57 laps during the Grand Prix. The main straight measures 589 metres, leading into Turn 2 as the initial designated overtaking zone, while Turn 3 is named Hortaleza after the nearby district. Monoplazas are projected to reach speeds of up to 340 km/h at Turn 4, decelerating to 100 km/h in heavy braking areas. Turn 8, named El Búnker, was specifically modified to preserve and navigate around Spanish Civil War fortifications at La Mata Espesa. Turn 12, known as La Monumental, pays homage to the Las Ventas bullring and forms a 550-metre curve with a 24% banking angle, making it the longest banked turn on the Formula 1 calendar.

Economic projections and hospitality impact

Regional authorities project that up to 345,000 spectators will attend the three-day event. Government estimates anticipate an overall economic impact of 467 million euros, the creation of 8,850 jobs, and approximately 83 million euros generated in tax revenue and social security contributions. The Grand Prix has also caused a measurable increase in travel demand for the capital. Data from online booking platform Booking indicates that accommodation searches for Madrid during the 11 to 13 September weekend increased by 41% compared to the same period in 2025. Average daily hotel room rates for the weekend rose by 69.6%, climbing from 286 euros in 2025 to 485 euros in 2026.

Operations and event schedule

Access across the Madring precinct will be divided into two independent sectors with separate entry gates and routes, maintaining no pedestrian connection between the zones. Organizers have deployed a dedicated official application to provide live mobility updates and navigation maps for ticket holders. The racing programme begins on Friday, 11 September, with opening free practice sessions. Saturday, 12 September, features the qualifying session to establish the starting grid, followed by the main Grand Prix race on Sunday, 13 September.