In a significant development for motorsport in Spain, Formula 1 has confirmed that the country will host two Grand Prix in an upcoming season. The announcement follows confirmation that Madrid will join the calendar with a brand-new race, while Barcelona will retain its place under a revised title.
Madrid to Debut Purpose-Built Street Circuit
Madrid will assume the title of the Spanish Grand Prix with a new hybrid street circuit located in the northeast of the city, centred around the IFEMA exhibition centre near Barajas. The 5.47-kilometre layout, designed by Italian firm Studio Dromo, will feature 22 turns and is expected to produce lap times of approximately one minute and thirty-two seconds.
Most Read on Euro Weekly News
Construction of the circuit is already underway. The venue will initially accommodate 110,000 spectators per day, with the potential to expand capacity to 140,000. Organisers have prioritised accessibility, noting that the venue is minutes from Madrid’s international airport and well connected by metro, commuter rail, and bus routes. It is estimated that 90 percent of attendees will travel via public transportation.
The construction contract, valued at over €80 million, was awarded to a consortium led by Acciona and Eiffage. Former world champion Fernando Alonso and current driver Carlos Sainz Jr. have praised the project, with Sainz describing the layout as one of the most exciting developments in modern Formula 1.
Barcelona Retains Race Under New Name
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, which has hosted the Spanish Grand Prix for decades, will continue to feature on the Formula 1 calendar under a new name: the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix. It will remain an integral part of the season, while the Madrid race will become the final European round before the sport heads into its overseas phase.
This dual-race arrangement marks the first time in over a decade that Spain will host two Formula 1 Grands Prix in a single season. The previous occurrence involved races in Barcelona and the now-defunct Valencia street circuit.
Rationale Behind the Expansion
The decision to award Spain a second race follows a marked increase in Formula 1’s popularity across the country. Television viewership has seen significant growth, bolstered by the success of homegrown drivers such as Alonso and Sainz. Organisers and the sport’s leadership have identified Spain as a key market for long-term development.
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has emphasised that Madrid’s addition does not preclude a long-term future for Barcelona, suggesting that both venues bring unique and valuable offerings to the championship.
Focus on Sustainability and Innovation
The Madrid venue has been developed with sustainability at its core. The IFEMA complex operates on 100 percent renewable energy, and construction materials for the circuit are recyclable. These efforts form part of Formula 1’s broader goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions within the next decade. With the debut of the Madrid Grand Prix and the continuation of the Barcelona round, Spain is poised to become a central hub in the Formula 1 calendar, combining tradition with innovation and offering fans two distinct racing experiences in a single season.