For over three decades, the roaring engines of Formula 1 echoed through the iconic Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, making it the home of the Spanish Grand Prix. The passionate Spanish fans reveled in the thrill, supporting local heroes like Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz. However, a surprising twist has shifted the spotlight from Barcelona to Madrid, marking a new chapter in the Spanish Grand Prix saga.
Rumors Turn Reality: Madrid Secures F1’s Spotlight
Speculations about a potential Madrid Grand Prix had been circulating toward the end of the previous year. As part of Formula 1‘s ambitious plan to expand the race calendar to 30 events by 2030, whispers of a Madrid GP started gaining traction. Just a week ago, whispers intensified, suggesting that F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali had given the green light for the Madrid Grand Prix. Today, the rumors turned into reality with the official announcement confirming Madrid’s place on the F1 calendar until 2035, sealed with a decade-long contract.
City Buzzing with Confirmation: Madrid’s Enthusiastic Welcome
Even before the official announcement, the city of Madrid embraced the impending Grand Prix fervor. The Metro and buses donned Formula 1 branding, with vinyl proclaiming “F1 returns to Madrid” spreading across public transport. Chequered flags adorned the seats inside the metro, creating a racing ambiance that resonated with the locals. Madrid’s prodigy, Carlos Sainz, can now anticipate racing in the very city he calls home.
🏁 | #MadridGP from 2026 to 2035👀
[📸 | @PressRacing] #F1 pic.twitter.com/hXrrRpTxo1
— RBR News 🇳🇱🇲🇽 (@redbulletin) January 23, 2024
Stefano Domenicali’s Vision: A New Benchmark for F1 in Madrid
Stefano Domenicali, the man at the helm of Formula 1, expressed his excitement about the shift. Madrid, with its rich history of hosting major sporting events, is poised to become a benchmark for European races on the F1 calendar. Domenicali acknowledged the fantastic proposal put forth by IFEMA MADRID, emphasizing the vision to create a multi-day spectacle that maximizes value for fans while embracing innovation and sustainability.
“Madrid is an incredible city, with a long history of hosting some of the biggest sporting events in the world. Today’s announcement begins an exciting new chapter for the Spanish Grand Prix,” said Domenicali.
Madrid’s Grand Prix as a Game-Changer
The economic impact of hosting an F1 race has become a driving force for cities worldwide. Isabel Diaz Ayuso, the President of the Community of Madrid, welcomed Formula 1 to the city while shedding light on the substantial economic benefits. Drawing parallels with the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix, Ayuso highlighted the global viewership and predicted a significant boost to Madrid’s GDP and job market.
“This event, which we expect to be followed on a global scale by 70 million people, will represent an increase of more than 4,500 million euros in Madrid’s GDP and the creation of 8,200 jobs,” Ayuso stated.
F1 is coming to Madrid in 2026! 🤩🇪🇸#F1 @IFEMA pic.twitter.com/QkvpE02WNQ
— Formula 1 (@F1) January 23, 2024
Madrid’s Global Projection: F1 as a Catalyst for Growth
As F1 continues to capture global attention, cities view hosting a Grand Prix as more than a sporting event—it’s an opportunity for economic prosperity and international recognition. Madrid’s emergence as an F1 host underscores its international projection, fostering openness, plurality, and competitiveness. Formula 1, in return, contributes to solidifying Madrid’s status among the world’s best.
