Method 1 has introduced that the Spanish Grand Prix will transfer from Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya to a brand new semi-permanent circuit in Madrid from 2026.
Madrid will be part of the Method 1 calendar from 2026 onwards as the brand new host of the Spanish Grand Prix, it has been introduced. The brand new semi-permanent circuit will take over from Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, which has been ever-present on the F1 calendar since 1991.
The 5.47km circuit will be part of the schedule on a 10-year deal. With projected qualifying lap occasions of 92 seconds, the observe will function 20 corners and can run across the IFEMA exhibition centre, which was host to the primary ever official Method 1 exhibition in 2023.
It’s anticipated that the ‘hybrid’ circuit – incorporating parts of each road tracks and street programs – could have grandstand capability for as much as 110,000 followers. F1 may also supply common admission entry and hospitality tickets for the race weekend, which is able to increase the overall capability to 140,000 per day – one of many largest on the calendar.
In a press release in regards to the information, Method 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali spoke in regards to the ‘new chapter’ in Spain’s relationship with F1:
“Madrid is an unimaginable metropolis with wonderful sporting and cultural heritage, and right now’s announcement begins an thrilling new chapter for F1 in Spain. I wish to thank the crew at IFEMA MADRID, the Regional Authorities of Madrid and the town’s Mayor for placing collectively a unbelievable proposal. It really epitomises Method 1’s imaginative and prescient to create a multi-day spectacle of sport and leisure that delivers most worth for followers and embraces innovation and sustainability.”
Hypothesis Grows Earlier than Madrid Introduced
There was hypothesis on Madrid’s inclusion on the Method 1 calendar for months, which intensified in December. Earlier in 2023, we advised that the Spanish metropolis might be part of the schedule earlier than the top of the last decade. It got here after the town had publicly expressed curiosity in internet hosting the game.
Additionally in early 2023, Method 1 hosted its first-ever official F1 Exhibition on the IFEMA conference centre, which the brand new circuit is ready to race round.
In July, Sergio Perez demonstrated Sebastian Vettel’s title-winning Pink Bull automobiles on the streets of Madrid in entrance of fifty,000 followers. Perez was quoted as saying “Madrid deserves a Method 1 race”. Across the similar time, Method 1 trademarked the “Madrid Grand Prix” title.
Spanish Grand Prix to Meet Sustainability Targets
With the brand new observe positioned simply 5 minutes from the Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suarez Airport, F1 has excessive ambitions for the Spanish Grand Prix to change into probably the most sustainable occasion on the calendar.
It’s estimated that 90% of race-going followers will use public transport to entry the venue on race weekend. The venue is already well-linked by each Metro and prepare. Method 1’s purpose is to be Internet Zero Carbon by 2030 and the imaginative and prescient for the brand new Spanish Grand Prix ought to assist the game on its quest to satisfy its goal.
Finish of the Highway for Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya?
Madrid’s arrival on the F1 schedule will convey to an finish a 35-year tenure as host of the Spanish Grand Prix for Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The circuit, close to Barcelona, has hosted the Spanish Grand Prix in each season since 1991. It has additionally been used extensively for testing functions and was an everyday host of pre-season winter testing up till the coronavirus pandemic.
The observe has change into a preferred venue, particularly with worldwide guests, with weekend attendance on the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix reaching 284,000 – the very best determine since 2008. Attendance on the observe peaked in 2006 and 2007, with 140,000 followers turning out on race day alone to help native hero – after which reigning champion – Fernando Alonso.
The Catalunya observe presently holds a contract to stay on the calendar till 2026, that means that each the Spanish Grand Prix and the Catalunya race (underneath a unique title) ought to seem collectively on the schedule for one season in 2026. F1 is believed to be persevering with discussions with race organisers at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya over its future on the calendar past 2026.
Talking to F1.com, Domenicali mentioned that “the very fact we’re in Madrid just isn’t excluding the very fact we might keep in Barcelona for the long run”, including that “there are discussions in place to see if we will actually lengthen our collaboration with Barcelona, with whom now we have an excellent relationship”.
Madrid to be Sixth Host of the Spanish Grand Prix
The brand new circuit in Madrid would be the sixth host of the Spanish Grand Prix and the seventh venue in Spain to host a spherical of the Method 1 World Championship. The Spanish Grand Prix has existed since 1913 and first appeared on the F1 calendar in 1951. Pedralbes, Jarama and Montjuïc Park hosted the occasion between 1951 and 1981.
The race returned on the Jerez circuit in 1986, the place it remained till 1991 when the newly-built Circuit de Catalunya first joined the schedule. Jerez would later make appearances on the calendar underneath the European Grand Prix title in 1994 and 1997.
Along with the circuits which have hosted the Spanish Grand Prix, a road circuit in Valencia additionally hosted the European Grand Prix from 2008 to 2012. The observe was presupposed to alternate as host of the Spanish Grand Prix from 2013 onwards however the Valencia observe dropped out of the deal because of monetary causes and F1 by no means returned.
