By Joe Murphy
F1 confirmed that as of 2026, Madrid will take over from Barcelona as the new home of the Spanish Grand Prix. Does this mean that Barcelona is discontinued? Or could there be two Spanish Grand Prix? Whilst the former is more likely, it is yet to be fully confirmed. Another street circuit addition has to be seen as a controversial move as F1 appears to be ever moving towards those kinds of races.
There was talk of a London race replacing Silverstone and with rcaes such as Monaco, Azerbaijan and Las Vegas, it seems street circuits are very much in favour with F1 bosses.
The 5.1km circuit will be located around the Ifema convention centre in the north-east of the city and will consist of both street and purpose-built sections totalling 20 corners.
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The sport has agreed a decade-long deal to hold the race in Madrid until 2035, with the circuit to open with a capacity of 110,000, which could grow into more over time. With numbers like these, it would make this Grand Prix one of the most attended events on the F1 schedule.
There’s good news in terms of accessibility too. The track will be five minutes from Barajas international airport and accessible via train and metro lines with the sport meaning that the vast majority of fans could travel to the sessions via public transport.
In reference to our earlier question about whether two Spanish races could be on the cards, F1 said discussions remain open with the Circuit de Catalunya. With their current deal expiring the same time Madrid would begin, it’s a safe assumption that this is a replacement race. Although nothing is for certain as of yet.
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