Madrid to replace Barcelona on F1 calendar from 2026

Madrid will replace Barcelona as the host city for the Spanish Grand Prix from 2026.

Formula 1 bosses aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2030 and are confident 90% of spectators will be able to access the new track by public transport.

The move marks the end of a 23-year stay at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, which first welcomed the sport in 1991.

F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali said: "Madrid is an incredible city, with amazing sporting and cultural heritage, and today's announcement begins an exciting new chapter for F1 in Spain.

"It truly epitomises F1's vision to create a multi-day spectacle of sport and entertainment that delivers maximum value for fans and embraces innovation and sustainability."

Madrid's new circuit will span 5.47km around the IFEMA exhibition centre between the Spanish capital and Barajas airport.

It will feature 20 corners and is set to incorporate both street-circuit and road-course sections.

Up to 110,000 spectators will be able to travel to the event and plans are in place to increase the capacity to 140,000 — making it one of the largest venues on the calendar.

FIA chief Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: "Modern F1 cars racing on a new circuit in the Spanish capital city of Madrid is an enticing prospect. 

"As we build towards the introduction of the FIA 2026 F1 regulations, which have been framed with net zero carbon by 2030 in mind, it is pleasing to see the local organisers have placed a sharp focus on environmental sustainability in their plans for the event. 

"As is customary, the proposed circuit will be subject to FIA homologation and safety checks and calendar approval by the World Motor Sport Council."

Talks are ongoing for Barcelona to remain on the calendar as an additional race, which would see Spain follow in the footsteps of the US by featuring more than one track across the season.